The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to call off its ongoing warning strike, saying it is making efforts to address the association’s concerns.
Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, appealed during a meeting with NARD leaders in Abuja.
The doctors declared a seven-day warning strike in protest against the abduction of its members, especially Dr. Popoola Ganiyat who was abducted eight months ago.
In a statement on Friday by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia the minister stated that the government was committed to citizens’ safety and assured that efforts are underway to address the doctors’ concerns.
Onyejeocha urged the doctors to consider their professional and humanitarian role, and the potential risks to patients’ lives due to the strike.
She stated that President Bola Tinubu has been engaging with security agencies to resolve the issue and has directed increased security measures around hospital facilities.
The minister assured NARD that the government was working to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues.
Onyejeocha also said President Tinubu remained committed to protecting lives and properties and to ensuring that “these conditions do not persist”.
The Minister said: “I plead with you that work is ongoing, and to please rescind the decision to continue the warning strike because I know that as we speak, people who are not kidnapped are dying, and I know you’re passionate about the lives and health of your brothers and sisters who are in the hospitals.
“This strike is well noted, but of course, you know that seven days is too much. People die in under one hour if they do not have any doctor to attend to them”.
She expressed sympathy for the families of kidnapped victims who tragically lost their lives.
NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, explained that the warning strike resulted from frustration after failed attempts to secure the release of their kidnapped colleagues, especially Dr. Popoola Ganiyat, a breastfeeding mother of five, who has been in captivity since 27th December 2023, and Dr Fadahunsi, recently abducted in Kogi State.
He emphasised the need for the government to address the frequent abduction of healthcare workers and to fulfil its duty to protect lives and property.
