Get ready for more healthcare chaos! Nigeria’s resident doctors are sounding the alarm again, threatening a full-blown, indefinite strike starting January 12th, 2026. Why? Because the government, it seems, has a short memory when it comes to keeping its word. After a previous strike was called off in November based on a signed agreement, doctors feel completely betrayed. This isn’t just about doctors; it’s about the very backbone of our healthcare system collapsing.
Here’s the lowdown:
- NARD is fed up with the government breaking its promises.
- A key issue is the unfair treatment of doctors in Lokoja.
- Doctors are overworked, underpaid, and their welfare is being ignored.
- The government’s actions threaten the fundamental rights of unionism.
- Nigeria faces a massive brain drain as doctors seek greener pastures abroad.
Why the Doctors Are Walking Out (Again!)
Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), didn’t hold back. He revealed on ARISE NEWS that the government has failed to honour the 19-point agreement signed back in November. This isn’t just a minor slip-up; it’s a complete disregard for the deal that was supposed to bring peace and better conditions to our hospitals.
The Lokoja Doctors’ Plight: A Case of Injustice
One of the biggest sparks igniting this renewed strike is the unresolved issue with doctors in Lokoja. Despite recommendations from both the House of Representatives and a Ministry of Health committee for their reinstatement, the government seems to be telling these doctors to simply ‘apply elsewhere.’ Dr. Suleiman called this move not only unacceptable but also a dangerous precedent that undermines the rights of workers and union leaders everywhere in Nigeria. It’s like saying, ‘Speak up for your rights, but we might fire you for it!’ That’s not how a functional society should operate.
Overworked, Underpaid, and Overlooked
The daily reality for resident doctors in Nigeria is grim. They’re not machines; they’re human beings with families, bills to pay, and dreams to chase. Dr. Suleiman painted a stark picture: doctors working round-the-clock shifts, like Dr. Halima in Gombe who is on call for the entire month of January! This kind of workload is not just unsustainable; it’s dangerous for both the doctors and the patients who rely on their care. On top of that, salary anomalies, some dating back to 2019, are still not corrected, and new doctors are being placed on lower salary scales than they should be. This means they’re losing significant amounts of money every single month. Imagine working hard and not getting paid what you deserve – it’s maddening!
A Critical Warning: The Brain Drain is Real
The situation is so dire that NARD is warning of a massive exodus of medical professionals. In 2024 alone, nearly 5,000 doctors left Nigeria. These are skilled individuals, trained at public expense, seeking better opportunities and working conditions abroad. If this trend continues, Nigeria risks facing an even more severe shortage of healthcare professionals, pushing the system closer to total collapse. It’s a lose-lose situation for everyone.
What Now? A Plea for Intervention
Dr. Suleiman has made a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and declare a state of emergency on the welfare of healthcare workers. The doctors have acted in good faith, trusting the government’s commitment. Now, that trust is on the brink of being shattered. The ball is in the government’s court. Will they finally step up and fulfill their promises, or will Nigeria’s healthcare system continue to suffer the consequences of broken agreements?
Key unresolved issues include:
- Reinstatement of Lokoja doctors.
- Correction of salary errors and payment of arrears.
- Proper placement of newly employed doctors on the correct salary scale.
- Establishment of workload and locum committees.
The clock is ticking. If these issues aren’t addressed urgently, medical services across federal hospitals are set for a major disruption come January 12th. Let’s hope common sense prevails this time around.
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