Doctors’ Strike: Nigerian Government, NARD members ink fresh agreement to end action

*Minister for Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige has said the new Memorandum of Action was signed after a conciliatory meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and those of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors to end their industrial action

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

In an effort at resolving the current face-off between the authorities and striking medical doctors in the country, the Federal Government signed a new Memorandum of Action (MoA) with the members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end the ongoing industrial action.

The MoA the two parties inked Saturday, April 10, 2021, is said to be the second agreement in a fortnight.

It is recalled the first one was signed March 31, but was later rejected by the striking doctors.

Sen. (Dr.) Chris Ngige, Honourable Minister for Labour and Employment, Saturday in Abuja disclosed that the new MoA was signed after a conciliatory meeting between representatives of the Federal Government and those of NARD, according to News Agency of Nigeria.

The Minister stressed that Saturday’s meeting became necessary to amend the first MoA signed with the striking doctors.

There were irregularities in the payment of salaries of house officers, he said, adding that while some got double payments, a few had not been paid.

Ngige stated: “In view of this situation, a five-man committee was set up to harmonise the list of affected officers and they have 72 hours to produce a valid list.

“The list will be submitted to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System through the Federal Ministry of Health.’’

He said health institutions affected by the non-payment of salary shortfalls between 2014 and 2016 and arrears arising from the consequential adjustment on the National Minimum Wage, had been directed to forward their personnel strength.

“This is to enable us to accommodate this in the 2021 supplementary budget,’’ he said.

In respect of hazard allowance, the Minister for Labour and Employment stated that the issue was not peculiar to members of NARD, but that it cut across the entire health system in the country.

According to him, the Presidential Committee on Salaries (PCS) would meet with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission April 12 to examine the Hazard Allowance matter.

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Joint Health Sector Unions, NARD and other ‘stakeholders’ would meet April 14, 2021, with the PCS with their position papers on the issue, said he.

Ngige, therefore, appealed to NARD to give the conciliation process a chance for industrial peace to prevail by calling off the strike.

Okhuaihesuyi Uyilawa, President of NARD, has promised to present the latest agreement before members with a view to calling off the industrial action.

The Resident Doctors began a nationwide strike on April 1 to demand for improved welfare packages.

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