Resident Doctors Accuse FG of Stalling Progress via Committees

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has charged the Federal Government with repeatedly ignoring employees' rights and e...

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has charged the Federal Government with repeatedly ignoring employees' rights and employing committees as a means to postpone real progress, stating that none of their requests have been fulfilled despite assertions from the Ministry of Labour.

In a forceful statement jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD stated that it felt obligated to "correct the record" following the Ministry's release of what the organization termed a deceptive press release on November 19.

As per the association, the Ministry's assertion that a "significant portion" of the doctors' requests has been fulfilled is "not only incorrect but a conscious effort to deceive the Nigerian people and weaken the valid campaign of our members."

NARD mentioned that after evaluating government actions during its Special NEC meeting on November 17, it concluded that "none of our 19 main demands has been completely and reliably fulfilled."

The group stated that the government's so-called advancements amounted to "broken promises, unmade payments, and newly established committees—a recurring pattern of procrastination and trickery."

NARD rejected the Ministry's assertion that payments for the 25%/35% CONMESS review and 2024 accessory allowances had "begun," stating that its members throughout the country "have not received these payments."

It stated that what the Ministry referred to constituted "an expectation of action, not actual action," emphasizing that "a declaration of intent is not equivalent to a verified salary."

The group stated that the Ministry's acknowledgment of "working to reconcile" outstanding payments highlighted that the core issue was still unresolved.

The group also expressed disapproval of the Ministry's statement regarding its efforts to "compile lists" of outstanding debts and benefits for hospitals like FTH Lokoja, FMC Owo, and UITH. It pointed out that the government's continued list-making "after years of discussion highlights our main concern: a severe absence of urgency and action."

Regarding staff shortages, the casualization of medical professionals, and the withdrawal of doctors at FTH Lokoja, NARD dismissed the Ministry's assertion that multiple committees had been established to tackle these issues. "Forming a committee is not a solution; it is frequently a bureaucratic method for delaying action indefinitely," the statement said.

Our request is the immediate return of our colleagues in Lokoja and the real application of the one-for-one replacement policy to prevent exhaustion—not just another discussion forum.

NARD also challenged the Minister's assertion that it refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, arguing that the MoU was not trustworthy. "We will not sign any MoU based on a foundation of broken promises and without clear, binding, and time-specific commitments."

"A Memorandum of Understanding that doesn't ensure immediate and measurable action holds no value," the organization stated.

The group confirmed that the countrywide indefinite strike, which started on November 1, will remain in effect until the government fulfills its basic requirements.

These involve the immediate return of the five dismissed doctors at FTH Lokoja with full compensation, the release and payment of all adjusted professional allowances and unpaid arrears, complete enforcement of the one-for-one replacement policy along with specialist allowances, and the prompt addressing of all other unresolved matters.

NARD claimed the Ministry was being hypocritical, stating that it frequently broke agreed-upon deadlines while advising unions about following labor laws. "For years, our patience has been worn down by conciliatory meetings that result in nothing but press releases full of empty triumphs," it stated. Although remaining open to conversation, the group emphasized that talks must now focus on achieving real outcomes and be supported by measurable actions.

We urge the government to redirect its efforts from creating deceptive press releases towards implementing the necessary practical steps to address this crisis. The well-being of our country is at stake, and the blame lies directly with the government.

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