The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it has reached a major breakthrough with the Federal Government following a high-level meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who described the discussions as productive and capable of resolving the issues that led to the ongoing industrial dispute.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman, said the engagement brought together key government officials, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi; the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi; officials of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Cash Management Department, and other top federal government representatives.
Dr. Suleiman commended the Chief of Staff for his intervention, noting that it was not the first time he had stepped in to resolve disputes involving resident doctors.
According to him, agreements were reached on timelines for the implementation of salary-related issues, promotions and outstanding allowances. He disclosed that agencies of government committed to resolving salary concerns, including those affecting doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), within one week.
The NARD president also revealed that government had agreed on measures to ensure newly employed house officers no longer experience prolonged delays in receiving their salaries. He said a standing directive had been issued for house officers to be paid before the 10th of every month.
On outstanding professional allowance arrears, Dr. Suleiman explained that discussions showed the amount owed was lower than initially estimated, making it more feasible for government to settle. He added that the Budget Office would provide timelines for payment after final financial processes are completed.
He further disclosed that discussions covered the completion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with the Chief of Staff directing the Ministries of Labour and Health to fast-track negotiations so that agreed provisions can be captured in the 2027 federal budget.
The meeting also addressed the growing concern over attacks on healthcare workers. Dr. Suleiman disclosed that 31 doctors and more than 20 other health workers had been assaulted within the last 10 months.
To tackle the problem, he said the Federal Ministry of Health would issue directives to hospitals to strengthen security and create safer working environments, while embarking on public enlightenment campaigns against violence towards health workers. He also announced that the Chief of Staff had pledged to support legislation that would classify assaults on health workers as an aggravated offence.
Despite the progress recorded, Dr. Suleiman said the association was yet to call off its strike, explaining that the National Executive Council would review the outcome of the meeting before making a final decision.
He, however, expressed confidence that the intervention had significantly advanced efforts to resolve the dispute.