Resident doctors set to suspend planned strike after talks with Gbajabiamila

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced on Tuesday that they are set to suspend their planned strike, after holding a three-hour meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila at the Presidential Villa. Dr Muhammad Suleiman, the NARD President, stated that "our matters are solved" following the agreement reached.

The meeting involved various ministers and officials, including those from the Ministries of Labour, Health, and Finance, along with the Budget Office and personnel management systems. The association secured commitments on numerous outstanding issues, such as salary disputes, promotion delays, meal allowances at LUTH, and the payment of house officers' salaries within a week.

Suleiman also mentioned that a new directive would ensure house officers receive their previous month's salaries before the 10th of each month. Additionally, the Ministry of Health pledged to enhance security measures and implement public education campaigns to prevent violence against health workers. The Chief of Staff has also pledged to introduce legislation to make assault on health workers an aggravated offense.

The NARD leadership expressed confidence in the resolution and indicated that they would need to consult with the National Executive Council before making a final decision on the suspension of the strike.