The Federal Government announced on Thursday that it will enforce the ‘no work, no pay’ policy against striking resident doctors.
This was stated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in a release signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako.
The statement expressed the ministry’s disappointment over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ (NARD) decision to initiate a seven-day warning strike, ignoring all negotiations and efforts by the Federal Government to address their concerns and maintain industrial peace.
NARD began the strike on Monday in response to the kidnapping of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was abducted eight months ago.
Dr. Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew.
Although her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.
NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, stated that the decision to strike was made during an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.
The ministry’s statement emphasized that it will continue its efforts to ensure the safety, welfare, and improved working conditions for all healthcare workers, including resident doctors.
It also noted that significant progress had been made in recent negotiations, and the government had acted in good faith by addressing many of NARD’s concerns.
The statement read, “In recent months, the ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), has been working tirelessly to secure the immediate and safe release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola.
High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are ongoing, and we remain confident these measures will lead to a positive outcome.
“The ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, amidst ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable.
We believe continued dialogue is the best way to resolve any remaining issues.
“Therefore, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to inform the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) that, in line with existing labor laws, the Federal Government will invoke the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy for the duration of the strike.
“This measure is not meant to undermine the legitimate concerns of our medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted, to the detriment of the public.”
The ministry also urged the doctors to return to the negotiation table to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector.
“As always, the ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” the statement concluded.
