The Federal Government has tendered an unreserved apology to Nigerians following the disruption of medical services caused by the ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, expressed regret during a briefing in Abuja, assuring that concrete measures are underway to end the industrial action and restore normalcy in public hospitals.
Salako revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the ministry to take all lawful steps to ensure that the striking doctors return to their duty posts without delay.
“On behalf of myself, the Coordinating Minister, and all top management staff of the ministry, I want to express our regret and unconditional apology to Nigerians, especially those who needed to access healthcare in the last 48 hours,” Salako said. “The President has expressly directed that we do everything possible and legitimate to ensure resident doctors are brought back to their duty posts as soon as possible.”
The minister disclosed that the government has been engaging NARD and other health unions through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) mechanism, inaugurated in August 2025, to address issues surrounding wages, allowances, and working conditions.
He explained that two major points of contention — salary relativity and consultant cadre appointments — are being reviewed by an independent industrial relations expert, who has already submitted an interim report.
“We are not sitting idly,” he stated. “Government has addressed most of the 19 issues raised by resident doctors. We are taking our time to ensure whatever agreement we reach is sustainable and fair to all health workers.”
NARD began an indefinite nationwide strike on Saturday, citing years of unmet demands and broken promises. The association said its members are being owed arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS review, unpaid accoutrement and hazard allowances, as well as delayed promotions.
The strike has left hospitals nationwide overstretched, with consultants and nurses struggling to manage patients. Salako reiterated that dialogue remains the only way forward, assuring that “the Federal Government will not relent until hospitals return to full operation.”