The Nigerian Medical Association, Ogun State, on Tuesday backed the ongoing indefinite strike of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, calling on the Federal Government to address the 19-point demands without further delay.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the NMA Secretariat, Abeokuta, the chairman of the union, Dr. Luqman Ogunjimi explained that “these demands reflect deep-seated challenges affecting the welfare of doctors, the sustainability of medical training, and the overall quality of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.”
The briefing had in attendance the chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors, Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Dr. Olusola Monehin; his counterparts from the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, and the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Dr. Rilwan Omogbolahan and Dr. AbdulGafar Kolade, respectively.
Ogunjimi said that it was imperative for the Federal Government to implement all 19 demands as outlined by NARD in good faith and within a realistic timeline.
The NMA urged the Federal Government to settle all outstanding arrears of allowances, including the accoutrement allowance and promotion arrears of medical doctors.
The NMA called for a reversal of all unjust dismissals and for the government to ensure fair career progression for resident doctors and medical officers.
It called on the government to address infrastructure decay and prioritize health workforce retention through improved remuneration, welfare, and working conditions.
The union, among others, also demanded that the government respect and uphold all agreements previously reached with the NMA and NARD to foster lasting industrial harmony.
Ogunjimi also called for a reversal of the unhealthy trend of creating consultant cadres for non-medical personnel within the health sector to ensure professionalism and the established hierarchy of global medical practice, among others.
He regretted that of the 19 demands of NARD, only one had been met since the beginning of this industrial action, querying the seriousness of the government to ensure uninterrupted, qualitative healthcare delivery to Nigerians.
Ogunjimi said that “We hereby appeal to the Federal Government to treat these demands as a matter of national urgency, as their prompt implementation is critical to ending the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors and restoring industrial harmony within the health sector.
“We urge the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and all relevant stakeholders to view these demands not as agitation but as a call to rescue Nigeria’s failing health system.
“We also appeal to the public for patience and understanding, as doctors advocate not only for fair treatment but for the preservation of quality healthcare for all Nigerians.”
The association reiterated its unwavering support for NARD and its leadership under Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman and called for decisive government action to address the 19-point demand in the interest of all Nigerians.
Recall that the NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, had directed residents across the country to proceed on an indefinite strike from 12 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The strike is expected to cripple operations in Federal Medical Centres, teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and private health facilities.
According to NARD, the strike stems from unresolved issues, including poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions.
