Nigeria: Gbajabiamila Brokers Deal As Resident Doctors Set to Suspend Planned Strike

Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, facilitated a significant agreement between the Nigerian government and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Tuesday, averting a planned nationwide strike. The meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, lasted three hours and resulted in mutual agreement on timelines to resolve issues concerning salaries, promotions, allowances, and other welfare concerns.

NARD President Dr Muhammad Suleiman expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the government has committed to implementing agreed timelines for key demands. However, the final decision on suspending the strike would be made by NARD's National Executive Council. Suleiman commended Gbajabiamila for his consistent role in resolving disputes involving resident doctors, noting that his interventions have always yielded positive results.

The meeting was attended by key officials from relevant ministries and agencies. Suleiman revealed that house officers would no longer face prolonged salary delays, with pay to be made before the 10th of every month. Discussions also addressed the security of health workers, with the Ministry of Health planning to issue directives to hospitals for enhanced protection and public awareness campaigns against assaults on health personnel.

The NARD president also announced plans to champion legislation classifying assault on health workers as an aggravated offense. The agreement comes after NARD threatened an indefinite strike over unpaid salary arrears, welfare issues, and unresolved past agreements with the government.