BREAKING: FG to Enforce ‘No Work, No Pay’ Policy for Striking Doctors

The Federal Government announced on Thursday that it will implement the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy in response to the ongoing strike by resident doctors. This decision was conveyed in a statement issued by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, signed by Ado Bako, the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations.

The Ministry expressed its disappointment over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors’ (NARD) decision to embark on a seven-day warning strike, despite extensive negotiations and efforts by the government to address their concerns and maintain industrial harmony.

The strike, which began on Monday, was triggered by the abduction of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a resident doctor who has been missing for eight months. Dr. Popoola, a registrar in the Department of Ophthalmology at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna, was kidnapped alongside her husband and nephew on December 27, 2023. While her husband was released in March, Dr. Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity.

NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, stated that the decision to strike was made during an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.

In its statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the safety, welfare, and working conditions of all healthcare workers, including resident doctors. The Ministry highlighted that significant progress has been made in recent negotiations, and the government has shown good faith in addressing many of the concerns raised by NARD.

The statement read: “Over the past months, the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), has been working tirelessly to ensure the immediate and safe rescue of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. High-level discussions and coordinated efforts are currently underway, and we remain confident that these measures will lead to a positive outcome.”

The Ministry also expressed its regret over NARD’s decision to proceed with the strike amidst ongoing discussions, emphasizing that continued dialogue is the most effective approach to resolving outstanding issues.

“In view of this, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare wishes to inform the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) that, in line with existing labor laws, the Federal Government will enforce the ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy for the duration of the strike. This measure is not intended to undermine the legitimate concerns of our medical professionals but to ensure that essential healthcare services are not unduly disrupted to the detriment of the public.”

The Ministry urged the striking doctors to return to the negotiation table to find lasting solutions to the challenges facing the healthcare sector. “As always, the Ministry remains open to constructive dialogue and is committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve a fair and sustainable resolution,” the statement concluded.