Nigerian Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike After 29 Days
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide indefinite strike, bringing an end to 29 days of industrial action that began on November 1. The decision was reached following an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and successful conciliatory talks with the Federal Government.
Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the National President of NARD, announced the suspension on Saturday, confirming that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addressing the association’s extensive 19-point demands had been signed.
Table of Contents
Strike Suspension and MoU Signed
Progress on Key Financial and Welfare Demands
Resolution of the ‘Lokoja Five’ Case
Directives on Work Hours and Locum Engagements
Four-Week Implementation Window and Ultimatum
. Strike Suspension and MoU Signed
The indefinite strike, the latest in a series of actions over unresolved issues like unpaid arrears, allowances, and poor welfare, was officially suspended following extensive negotiations. The suspension is temporary, set for a four-week period to allow the government to fully implement the agreed terms outlined in the MoU.
“The suspension was reached after a series of conciliatory meetings with the Federal Government, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addressing the association’s 19-point demands.”
2. Progress on Key Financial and Welfare Demands
Dr. Suleiman confirmed that while significant progress was made on technical and policy issues, several critical financial arrears remain pending with defined deadlines for payment.
Promotion and Salary Arrears: Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Managing Directors (MDs) were given a four-week deadline to fully compile and clear outstanding promotion and salary arrears.
Specialist Allowance: The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued a directive regarding the specialist allowance, with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission mandated to implement it.
Omitted Payments: Processes are being finalized with the government to resolve failed or omitted payments related to the 25/35 per cent salary review and the accoutrement allowance.House Officers and Skipping: Issues surrounding skipping and entry-level placement, as well as all outstanding matters involving house officers, have been resolved through an OHCSF directive. The Post-Assessment Tool (PAT) has also been released.
3. Resolution of the ‘Lokoja Five’ Case
A major welfare demand concerning the disengaged resident doctors known as the “Lokoja Five” from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, has been addressed. The committee handling the matter recommended their reabsorption, which is expected to be completed within two weeks.
4. Directives on Work Hours and Locum Engagements
To address the issue of burnout and exploitation, the NEC secured crucial directives on professional practice standards:
Locum Employment: CMDs and MDs have been issued an interim directive to discontinue “obnoxious clauses” often found in locum (temporary) employment contracts.
Work Hours: An advisory was circulated to heads of health facilities urging them to limit excessive call duties and ensure doctors receive adequate rest periods.
Policy Review: Committees tasked with reviewing the locum policy and regulating work hours are expected to submit comprehensive policy documents within two months.
Furthermore, the process for the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will resume shortly, including discussions on the consultant cadre for other health professionals, and the special pensions committee will reconvene.
5. Four-Week Implementation Window and Ultimatum
The NARD President stressed that the strike is suspended for exactly four weeks to track the implementation of the MoU.
Dr. Suleiman issued a stern warning that the failure of the government to implement all agreed actions within this window would lead to the reinstatement of the strike. He emphasized that the four-week period serves as a daily reminder to the government and Nigerians of the need for swift action and compliance.
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