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Nigerian Resident Doctors Suspend Nationwide Strike After Vice President’s Mediation
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially postponed its planned nationwide strike, which was originally scheduled to begin on January 12. This decision followed direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who engaged with the doctors to address their pressing concerns.
How the Vice President Helped Avert the Strike
Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, NARD’s National President, revealed that the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened after receiving a direct appeal from Vice President Shettima. The Vice President’s involvement led to the resolution of several key issues, prompting the doctors to delay their strike action. Shettima also requested additional time to continue negotiations on unresolved matters.
“Following the Vice President’s intervention, the NEC unanimously agreed to suspend the strike planned for January 12, recognizing the government’s efforts to address our concerns. This decision was made just hours ago, and we will share further updates soon,” Dr. Suleiman confirmed.
Upcoming Announcements and Communication Strategy
Dr. Suleiman indicated that a detailed statement summarizing the outcomes of the discussions and outlining the next steps will be issued shortly. He also plans to hold a press conference once he has fully recovered, to provide a comprehensive update on the progress and remaining challenges.
“We are granting the government more time to demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving our issues. A full briefing will follow once I am able to address the public,” he added.
Significance for Nigeria’s Healthcare Sector
The postponement offers temporary relief to millions of Nigerians who depend on public healthcare facilities. It underscores the critical importance of maintaining uninterrupted medical services, especially given that public hospitals cater to over 70% of the population, according to recent figures from the Nigerian Ministry of Health.
Context: Reasons Behind the Planned Strike
Earlier this month, NARD announced its intention to embark on a Total, Indefinite, and Complete Strike (TICS 2.0) in response to the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill prior agreements. These agreements, formalized in a Memorandum of Understanding, addressed vital issues concerning doctors’ welfare, remuneration, and working conditions.
The decision to initiate the strike was made during an Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on January 2, reflecting the urgency of the doctors’ grievances.
Moving Forward: The Need for Sustained Dialogue
As talks continue, both the government and NARD face the challenge of crafting lasting solutions that meet the doctors’ demands while ensuring the continuity of healthcare services. The recent 2023 doctors’ strike in Kenya serves as a cautionary example of how healthcare worker disputes can severely disrupt national health systems and patient care.
Ongoing constructive engagement remains essential to prevent similar crises in Nigeria and to safeguard the wellbeing of millions who rely on the country’s public health infrastructure.
