- NARD lamented that doctors have been left to work under worsening conditions
- NARD maintained that its 19-point demand is neither excessive nor unreasonable
- NARD noted that the continued delay in sealing the CBA and reviewing salaries has left many doctors frustrated
Pressure is mounting on the Federal Government as the nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its 15th day on Saturday, with the union insisting that its long-awaited Collective Bargaining Agreement must be concluded without further delay.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the doctors also renewed their demand for an urgent overhaul of the obsolete Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS, which they say no longer reflects Nigeria’s economic realities.
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In a statement shared on X, NARD lamented that doctors have been left to work under worsening conditions while government officials continue to stall negotiations.
“For years, we have waited for a proper Collective Bargaining Agreement — a clear document that defines fair pay, work expectations, and basic welfare. The delays are unbearable. Rising costs are crippling doctors, and morale is at an all-time low,” the statement read.
The doctors insisted that a comprehensive review of CONMESS is overdue, stressing that their welfare is directly tied to the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
The strike, which started earlier in the month, has now grounded operations in 91 hospitals, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and medical facilities across the country, leaving thousands of patients stranded nationwide.
NARD maintained that its 19-point demand is neither excessive nor unreasonable, listing issues such as unpaid arrears under CONMESS, release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, proper payment of specialist allowances, recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and a general improvement in working conditions.
According to the union, these demands are necessary to retain medical professionals and keep the health sector from total collapse.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier instructed the Ministry of Health to move swiftly to resolve the industrial action, assuring that government is already addressing the concerns raised by the striking doctors.
However, NARD noted that the continued delay in sealing the CBA and reviewing salaries has left many doctors frustrated, especially as they struggle with rising living expenses while still expected to provide essential care.
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