Doctors Accuse Federal Government of Ignoring Agreement as Healthcare Crisis Looms
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a fresh, nationwide and indefinite strike, condemning the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for failing to honour the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached after their last industrial action.
The doctors expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s continued neglect and lack of commitment to agreements aimed at addressing welfare, training, and working conditions of resident doctors across federal hospitals.
Background to the Dispute
NARD had earlier suspended a prolonged strike following negotiations with the Federal Government, during which an MoU was signed with clear timelines for implementation. However, the association says more than a month after the agreement, there has been no significant progress on the commitments made.
According to the doctors, the failure to implement the MoU has eroded trust and placed additional strain on an already overstretched healthcare system.
Doctors Warn of Nationwide Healthcare Shutdown
In a strongly worded statement, NARD warned that if urgent steps are not taken to implement the agreement, it would have no choice but to resume a total and indefinite strike, potentially crippling medical services in teaching hospitals and federal medical centres nationwide.
The association stressed that resident doctors form the backbone of healthcare delivery in tertiary institutions, noting that repeated strikes are avoidable if the government demonstrates sincerity in fulfilling agreements.
Appeal for Intervention
Rather than proceeding immediately with industrial action, NARD has appealed to senior medical professionals, respected elders, and relevant authorities to intervene and prevail on the Federal Ministry of Health and other government agencies to act swiftly.
The doctors said their preference remains dialogue, but warned that continued silence from the government could force their hand.
Rising Concerns Over Nigeria’s Health Sector
The looming strike threat has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system, with analysts warning that another shutdown could worsen patient outcomes, delay treatments, and increase pressure on private health facilities.
Healthcare observers argue that resolving the dispute promptly is crucial to restoring confidence among medical professionals and preventing further disruption to essential services.
As the deadline set by resident doctors approaches, attention is now on the Federal Government to take decisive action and avert another healthcare crisis. Failure to do so may plunge the nation’s tertiary hospitals into yet another prolonged shutdown, with far-reaching consequences for millions of Nigerians.
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