Positive Signs Emerge as Nigerian Resident Doctors Contemplate Ending Two-Week Strike

ABUJA – Encouraging developments surfaced on Tuesday, signaling a potential end to the prolonged strike staged by members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). In a significant turn of events, the doctors disclosed their intention to reconsider the strike following interventions from high-ranking officials, including the President of the Senate.

A crucial breakthrough was achieved during a discreet meeting between the striking doctors and the Senate leadership, notably Senator Godswill Akpabio. As a gesture of goodwill and commitment to finding a resolution, the doctors decided to shelve their planned nationwide protest. The verdict to terminate the ongoing strike will be reached subsequently, pending discussions with the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).

Dr. Emeka Innocent Orji, the National President of NARD, addressed the media after the closed-door session with the Senate President and his colleagues, stating, “Our engagement with the Senate, spearheaded by the Senate President, has yielded constructive outcomes. We hold a positive outlook that our deliberations today, when presented to the NEC, will yield favorable results.”

Orji added, “The practical steps taken by the Senate President during our interaction today have instilled confidence in us that a solution is on the horizon within the next 24 hours. Assuredly, due to the timely intervention of the Senate President, our intended national protest has been averted. The impending decision on our ongoing strike will be determined once we convene for further discussions.”

In response, Senator Akpabio expressed his gratitude to the medical practitioners for heeding the Senate’s appeal to reconsider their stance on both the nationwide protest and the strike. He conveyed the Senate’s commitment to addressing the doctors’ grievances promptly and efficiently, emphasizing the importance of the medical community in the government’s priorities.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to you for opting to forgo the planned public protest and for being amenable to concluding the strike, thus alleviating the plight of the suffering masses,” Senator Akpabio remarked. “Rest assured, your legitimate demands are acknowledged. As soon as a Minister of Health assumes office, the Senate is dedicated to collaborating closely to promptly address all concerns raised.”

Senator Akpabio reiterated the government’s favorable disposition towards medical practitioners, citing the appointment of numerous medical professionals to key positions within the administration. He underscored the Senate’s unwavering determination to facilitate a harmonious resolution, underscoring the profound impact of medical strikes on the nation’s well-being and stability.