The Federal Government and officials of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have moved closer to resolving the issues that threatened to trigger a nationwide doctors’ strike.
A high-level meeting was held on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja as government representatives and NARD leaders discussed the association’s concerns and possible solutions.
The meeting was chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, with key officials including the Minister of Labour, Minister of Health, Minister of Finance, and representatives from relevant government agencies and medical bodies in attendance.
The talks came amid growing concerns over a planned industrial action by resident doctors, following unresolved demands raised by the association.
Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Mohammed Suleman, expressed confidence that a breakthrough had been achieved.
He said the major areas of disagreement had been “resolved in principle,” adding that both sides agreed on clear timelines for implementing the decisions reached.
“The issues in contention have been resolved in principle, with clear timelines agreed for their implementation,” Suleman said.
The outcome of the meeting has raised hopes that the planned strike action may be avoided, allowing doctors and government officials to focus on improving healthcare delivery across the country.
NARD had earlier issued warnings over unresolved issues, including welfare concerns and other challenges affecting resident doctors, with a nationwide strike hanging over the health sector.
The latest engagement between both parties signals a possible path toward stability, as Nigerians await further updates on the implementation of the agreements reached.
