Strike: NARD Rejects Labour Ministry Claims, Insists No Demand Met

By Chinedu Echianu

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has dismissed as misleading a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Labour on November 19, 2025, accusing the ministry of misrepresenting the true state of negotiations over the ongoing nationwide strike.

In a statement signed by Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman and Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, President and Publicity Secretary respectively of NARD, said its Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council meeting of November 17 found that none of its 19 core demands had been fully or verifiably met, contrary to the ministry’s assertion that a “high percentage” of issues raised had been addressed. The association described the government’s claims as “unfulfilled promises” and “anticipations of action,” rather than concrete steps.

NARD faulted the ministry’s position on payments and allowances, saying members had not received the 25%/35% CONMESS review or the 2024 accoutrement allowances reportedly paid. It added that unresolved issues such as omitted or failed payments were being wrongly presented as progress. The group also criticized the government’s approach to outstanding arrears and specialist allowances, noting that the compilation of lists after years of dialogue exposed a lack of urgency.

The association further rejected the ministry’s reference to newly set-up committees on issues such as the disengaged doctors of FTH Lokoja, manpower shortages and casualization of doctors, insisting that committees were being used to delay action. NARD also denied claims that it refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, saying it would not endorse any agreement lacking clear, time-bound commitments.

NARD reaffirmed that its nationwide, indefinite strike, which began on November 1, would continue until key demands are met. These include the reinstatement of five disengaged doctors at FTH Lokoja, payment of corrected professional allowances and salary arrears, full implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy, and resolution of all pending welfare and remuneration issues.

The association called on the government to focus on tangible solutions rather than issuing what it described as “misleading press statements,” stressing that genuine action is required to resolve the crisis facing the health sector.