Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced the immediate implementation of the “No Work, No Pay” policy in response to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). This move comes after the doctors embarked on a seven-day warning strike, which the Ministry described as “deeply regrettable” despite ongoing negotiations.
In a statement released by Ado Bako, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, the government expressed its disappointment over the strike action, which began despite multiple negotiation attempts and pleas from the Federal Government aimed at resolving the doctors’ concerns. The Ministry emphasized that significant progress had been made in addressing NARD’s demands, and it found the timing of the strike particularly unfortunate given the strides achieved so far.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to express deep disappointment over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ decision to embark on a seven-day warning strike, disregarding all negotiations and plea attempts by the Federal Government to resolve its concerns and ensure continued industrial harmony,” Bako stated.
The statement highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the welfare and working conditions of healthcare workers across the country, including resident doctors. According to the Ministry, several of NARD’s concerns had been addressed in good faith, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals.
Among the critical issues under discussion is the abduction of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor whose safety has become a national priority. The Ministry, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security agencies, has been working tirelessly to secure her release. High-level talks and coordinated efforts are ongoing, with the Ministry expressing confidence in a positive resolution.
However, the decision to strike during these delicate negotiations has led the Federal Government to invoke the “No Work, No Pay” policy, a measure stipulated under existing labor laws. The Ministry clarified that this action is not intended to diminish the legitimate grievances of the doctors but is necessary to prevent the disruption of essential healthcare services, which could harm the public.
“The Ministry finds the decision to proceed with this strike action, in the midst of these ongoing discussions, deeply regrettable. As we believe that continued dialogue is the best approach to resolving any outstanding issues,” the statement read.
The Ministry has urged NARD to return to the negotiation table to find a lasting solution to the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector. It reiterated its openness to constructive dialogue, expressing hope that a collaborative approach would yield a fair and sustainable resolution.
As the strike continues to affect healthcare services across the country, the Ministry’s call for dialogue is a critical step towards restoring normalcy in the sector. The outcome of these discussions could set a precedent for future labor disputes within Nigeria’s medical community.
