NARD Challenges FG's Claim on Strike Demands Resolution

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has rejected the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment's assertion that the federal gov...

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has rejected the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment's assertion that the federal government has resolved 19 out of the 20 concerns raised by the group during its ongoing strike.

NARD, in a sharply worded statement on Thursday, labeled the ministry's comments as "inaccurate," "deceptive," and an intentional effort to misrepresent the state of discussions with the striking physicians.

On Wednesday, BusinessDay reported that the ministry had announced substantial progress regarding the doctors' demands, including a 25–35 per cent increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and the payment of 2024 accessory allowances. It noted that records from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System showed that payments had started up to December 2024.

However, resident doctors refuted the statements, maintaining that none of the 19 main requests submitted to the government had been "completely or conclusively fulfilled."

"The ministry refers to as progress are, in reality, broken promises, unpaid commitments, and fresh committees, a recurring pattern of postponement and trickery that led to this strike initially," the statement, signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, stated.

As per NARD, none of the association's members have obtained the CONMESS payments that were reviewed or the 2024 accessory allowance that the government stated was distributed.

"A declaration of intent cannot replace a verified salary," the association cautioned.

NARD also criticized the ministry's acknowledgment that it was still in the process of gathering lists of unpaid salaries and benefits across multiple federal hospitals, such as the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja; the Federal Medical Centre in Owo; and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

"Following years of discussion, the government's current phase of preparing lists for the budget office highlights our main concern: a severe absence of urgency and action," it stated.

The group also condemned the government for forming committees to tackle staff shortages, accused of temporary employment practices, and the withdrawal of doctors from FTH Lokoja, calling the action a further example of bureaucratic procrastination.

"Forming a committee is not a resolution; it is frequently a bureaucratic method for delaying matters indefinitely. Our request is for the immediate return of our colleagues in Lokoja and the practical application of a one-for-one replacement policy to prevent exhaustion," the statement further noted.

Regarding the government's assertion that NARD declined to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, the association stated it would not support any deal "founded on a base of unkept commitments and devoid of specific, enforceable, and time-sensitive obligations."

NARD stated, 'The strike will continue until our basic requirements, which represent the minimum necessary for a respectful and viable medical practice in Nigeria, are fulfilled.'

Its requests involve bringing back the five dismissed doctors at FTH Lokoja with full reimbursement; prompt payment of adjusted professional allowances and unpaid arrears; complete execution of the one-for-one replacement policy; and the settlement of all unresolved welfare matters.

The group alleged that the government breached labor regulations, while encouraging it to "redirect its efforts from creating deceptive press releases to implementing the necessary practical steps to address this issue."

"The well-being of our country is at stake, and the duty to bring back order rests entirely on the government," NARD stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).