The nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its tenth day. The strike, which began on 1 November, stems from years of unmet demands, including unpaid arrears from salary adjustments, accoutrements and hazard allowances, delayed promotions, and poor working conditions.
The president of the association, Muhammad Suleiman, said the industrial action will continue until concrete agreements are reached and implemented by the federal government.
Mr Suleiman, who spoke to newsmen on Monday morning, said that while discussions with the government are ongoing, “just talking” without signed agreements or visible action does not amount to progress.
”You can only resolve things after you have agreed and after you have put it on paper or put it into action,” he said.
“Just talking about them merely does not solve the problem. We are talking, but agreements have not been reached on what to do, and then even on the items that have been agreed, actions have not been taken.”
However Mr Suleiman also faulted government’s claim that billions had been released to offset arrears owed to doctors, saying that most members are yet to receive payment.
“The federal government said it released N41.3 billion to pay 25/35 per cent arrears. They released the money, but not more than 60 per cent of our members have gotten alerts, and alerts have stopped dropping,” he said.
He stated that another N2.9 billion, intended to be released alongside other outstanding allowances, had not been paid as promised by the government.
“That money was to be released last Monday, but it has still not been released up till now,” he said. “The federal government is even saying it’s N11.9 billion, which we never had any conversation about. People have not been seeing those alerts. I don’t know, is it another ‘audio alert’?”
Mr Suleiman added that the strike remains indefinite, adding that “until we agree on these issues” and actions are taken, the industrial action will continue.
The NARD president expressed hope that an agreement could be reached soon, but insisted that until the government demonstrates sincerity through action, the strike will continue indefinitely.
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