Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its total, indefinite and comprehensive strike for a period of four weeks following a series of conciliatory meetings with the Federal Government that culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
In a statement to members on Saturday, the association’s president, known as P-MUS, said the National Executive Council (NEC) reached the decision after assessing the progress made on the union’s 19-point demand presented to the government.
According to the signed MoU, several key items remain at various stages of implementation. These include the payment of promotion arrears and salary arrears both expected to be cleared within four weeks as well as the commencement of specialist allowances based on directives from the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe agreement also captured the resolution of the long-standing “Lokoja 5” case, with a committee recommending the full reabsorption of the affected doctors into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, within two weeks.
NARD also highlighted major observations from the MoU, noting that processes are ongoing to address previously failed or omitted payments associated with the 25/35 per cent wage adjustment and accoutrement allowance. Additionally, the association said it is awaiting lists from centre leaders to conclude the upgrade of resident doctors.
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Other resolutions include the release of the Postgraduate Allocation Template (PAT), federal directives resolving the entry-level and skipping controversies, and the resolution of issues concerning house officers. The government has also issued temporary directives stopping “obnoxious clauses” in locum engagements and provided interim advisories limiting excessive call duties.
Committees on locum engagement and work-hour regulation have been mandated to produce comprehensive policies within two months, while negotiations on the Consolidated Basic Allowance (CBA), issues around consultant cadre for other health professionals, and the work of the special pensions committee are expected to proceed.
The NEC, after reviewing the commitments, opted to suspend the strike “to allow room” for implementation and demonstrate good faith. However, NARD warned that the suspension is conditional.
The president assured members that the next four weeks will be used to intensify engagement with both Nigerians and the Federal Government to ensure compliance. He stressed that failure to fully implement the key outstanding items promotion arrears, salary arrears, specialist allowance, and the reintegration of the Lokoja would lead to an immediate resumption of the strike.
“The countdown for the four weeks shall start on Monday. It shall be a daily reminder to Nigerians and the Federal Government to adequately use this ‘four weeks window’ justly and fully,” he said, adding that while progress has been recorded, the struggle continues.
NARD urged its members to remain steadfast as the leadership monitors the government’s adherence to the agreed timelines.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
