Nard Challenges Labour Ministry's Claims, Vows Strike Will Continue

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has rejected the Federal Ministry of Labour's statement that significant progress ha...

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has rejected the Federal Ministry of Labour's statement that significant progress has been achieved in meeting the union's requirements, calling the statements misleading and incorrect.

In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, NARD expressed "deep disappointment" over a press release issued by labor ministry officials on November 19, which claimed that a "significant portion" of the doctors' concerns had been addressed.

The group stated that the ministry's statement did not accurately represent the details of its discussions with the government or the circumstances that resulted in the current nationwide strike.

As per the association, a thorough analysis carried out during its Special National Executive Council, NEC, meeting on November 17 revealed that "not a single one" of its 19 main requests had been completely fulfilled, even though the ministry had stated otherwise.

NARD claimed that what government officials refer to as progress mainly consisted of pledges, pending authorizations, and recently formed committees, trends that the organization stated have defined earlier unsuccessful promises.

The group disputed the ministry's claim that the 25%/35% CONMESS review and 2024 additional allowances had started by December 2024. NARD stated that none of its members nationwide had received these payments, noting that references to correcting omissions were actually admissions of ongoing issues.

"A declaration of intent cannot replace a properly credited salary," the group stated.

NARD also expressed disapproval of the ministry's claim that matters like special allowances and outstanding payments to doctors in federal institutions, including Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, FMC Owo, and the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, were being "compiled" for submission to the budget office. Following years of discussion, the association stated it was unacceptable that the government remained "at the stage of compiling lists."

Regarding welfare issues, NARD criticized the formation of committees to tackle staff shortages, the temporary employment of doctors, and the withdrawal of its members from FTH Lokoja. It referred to these committees as bureaucratic mechanisms that frequently result in prolonged delays.

The team restated its call for the immediate return of the dismissed physicians in Lokoja and complete execution of a one-for-one replacement system to tackle staff shortages and exhaustion in medical facilities.

The organization stated that it refused to endorse a suggested Memorandum of Understanding due to the absence of defined deadlines and assurances regarding its execution.

We will not sign any Memorandum of Understanding based on unkept promises," NARD stated. "An MoU that does not ensure immediate and verifiable action holds no value.

NARD confirmed that the countrywide, comprehensive, and ongoing strike that started on November 1 will persist until its basic requirements are fulfilled. These consist of: "Restoration of the five doctors who were removed from FTH Lokoja along with full compensation; prompt payment of adjusted allowances and all unpaid arrears; effective execution of the one-for-one replacement policy and specialist allowances, and addressing other unresolved matters previously conveyed to the government."

The group stated it found it "ironic" that the ministry claimed it did not adhere to labor laws, even though it highlighted repeated breaches of set deadlines by the government.

While reiterating its readiness to maintain constructive dialogue, NARD called on the government to focus on tangible steps rather than "deceptive media announcements."

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

The declaration was endorsed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, in order.

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