The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Ogun State has warned that its National Executive Council (NEC) may resume a planned nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands by the end of a two-week suspension. The suspension followed presidential intervention led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and appeals from various stakeholders.

Dr. Quadri Olanipekun, NARD President at FMC Abeokuta, expressed hope that the government would honor its commitments, particularly regarding unpaid arrears and the welfare of doctors who remain in public hospitals out of patriotism. He highlighted the ongoing exodus of medical professionals, noting that roughly 20,000 doctors have left the profession in the past five years, leaving fewer than 10,000 in practice. Dr. Chidi Ikwumezie, President of NARD at Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, emphasized that all agreed-upon demands should be addressed before the suspension concludes on January 25.

The suspension of NARD’s industrial action was widely welcomed, with expectations that the two-week window would resolve disputes over accoutrement allowances, promotions, salary arrears, specialist allowances, and house officer welfare. However, the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Health Care Professionals (JOHESU), now over two months long, remains unresolved. While the federal government claims most demands have been met, JOHESU insists that the immediate adjustment and implementation of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) remains central to their action.

These repeated confrontations have strained Nigeria’s public healthcare system and caused significant hardship for citizens. While the grievances of NARD and JOHESU—ranging from fair remuneration to safe working conditions—are legitimate, there is concern that frequent strikes are not a sustainable solution. Historically, negotiations typically resume only after substantial disruption and loss of life, highlighting the need for strategic, long-term solutions that avoid further suffering.

The responsibility to resolve these disputes lies chiefly with the federal and state governments, particularly given that more than half of Nigerians live in poverty and rely on public healthcare. Authorities are urged to establish mechanisms addressing the root causes of repeated strikes in critical sectors like health and education. Health sector unions are also encouraged to reassess their approaches, balancing the right to strike with the socio-economic impact of prolonged industrial action. Urgent dialogue is essential, particularly to suspend JOHESU’s strike and finalize resolutions with resident doctors before the January 25 deadline.