Resident doctors have insisted on continuing their nationwide strike despite the Federal Government’s release of ₦11.995 billion to settle part of the money owed to them.
The doctors, under the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), say the amount released is far below what the government truly owes, insisting that their total outstanding arrears stand at ₦48 billion.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, said the figures released by the government were incorrect and that only a small portion of the funds benefits resident doctors. He explained that while the Ministry of Finance has begun processing some payments under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), the payment so far covers only two out of the association’s 19 demands. According to him, the allowances recently cleared—such as accoutrement allowance and COVID-19 hazard pay—are not enough to end the strike. “We thank the Minister of Finance for releasing some funds, but the Ministry of Health must take real action. Doctors are still being underpaid,” Suleiman said.
The strike, which began on November 1, has paralysed activities in 91 hospitals across the country. At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, resident doctors have completely withdrawn their services, leaving consultants to manage a few patients. The hospital’s Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) President, Dr. Gboyega Ajibola, confirmed total compliance with the strike directive. He described the situation as painful but necessary, noting that repeated negotiations with government officials had failed. “Our members are exhausted. This is not about money alone; it’s about saving the healthcare system,” he said.
In Lagos, Dr. Akintade Adegboyega of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebutte-Metta, said the government’s payment figures were misleading. “The strike is total and indefinite. No member is working. Doctors cannot continue under poor working conditions,” he stated.
In Calabar, most public hospitals have stopped operating, with only the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital and a few private facilities still open. A senior staff member of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital said consultants were only managing existing emergency cases, while new patients were being turned away. In Asaba, Delta State, consultants and nurses are trying to keep essential services running at the Federal Medical Centre. A nurse said they were only attending to those already admitted because there were not enough doctors.
Many patients and their families are suffering as a result of the strike. Mrs. Chinyere, whose husband is ill, said his treatment had been suspended. “They told us to come back when the doctors resume. My husband’s condition is getting worse,” she said. In Calabar, a pregnant woman, Mrs. Nkoyo Etim, said she might have to turn to traditional birth attendants because she could not afford private hospital care.
In Abuja, activities at the National Hospital and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, have been crippled. Patients are being discharged or referred to private hospitals. A nurse at FMC Jabi said the situation was dire. “We are discharging patients because there are no doctors. Those in critical condition are being sent elsewhere. The government must act fast,” she said.
An accident victim being moved out of FMC Jabi said his family had no choice but to take him home. At the National Hospital, a police officer with a gunshot wound pleaded for help, saying his surgery had been delayed. “My leg is swollen, and I’m in serious pain. The government should please fix this,” he said.
Dr. Suleiman maintained that the strike would continue until all the association’s demands are met. “This is not a fight against the government,” he said. “It is a fight for a better healthcare system for all Nigerians.”