The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, revealed during a press briefing that President Bola Tinubu has ordered members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), who embarked on an indefinite strike on 1st November 2025, to return to work immediately. Salako noted in Abuja that Tinubu has promised to resolve the dispute and restore normal operations in public hospitals.
“Mr. President has expressly directed that we do everything possible and legitimate to ensure that the resident doctors are brought back to their duty posts as soon as possible,” Salako stated.
The minister apologized to Nigerians affected by the strike and said that government officials had been meeting with NARD's leadership to discuss their 19-point list of demands. He explained that the current disagreement arose in part from the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission's July circular, which sparked differences among health workers. Although the circular was eventually removed, a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process was initiated in August to coordinate negotiations among all health unions.
Salako stated that, despite persistent arguments about pay relativity and the recruitment of non-doctor consultants, significant progress had been made and that an external industrial relations expert was mediating the negotiations.
He further stated the Federal Government has issued ₦21.3 billion to clear outstanding arrears and allowances, with 60% of doctors now paid. Another ₦11.9 billion is still being processed. Previously, ₦20 billion was disbursed under the Medical Residency Training Fund.
In terms of workforce expansion, the minister stated that 14,444 health workers, including 3,064 resident doctors, will be hired in 2024, with an additional 23,059 expected in 2025. President Tinubu, he claimed, has also authorized raising the retirement age for clinical staff to 65.
Addressing one of NARD's primary concerns, Salako emphasized that medical and dental house officers could not be included in the civil service program since they are interns on temporary 12-month contracts rather than full-time workers.
He also stated that the establishment of consultant cadres for non-medical personnel predates the present administration and will be resolved through conversation.
Regarding the expulsion of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Salako stated that a three-man review committee had been formed to re-examine the cases, with three of the affected doctors already cleared for reinstatement.
Reiterating the government's preference for dialogue, the minister called on the doctors to return to work, saying:
“Industrial peace cannot be achieved through confrontation. We value the contribution of our health workers, and the president especially values the resident doctors. If it were possible, we would pay them ₦50 million monthly, because no one can fully compensate their service.”
Salako further noted that doctors in the public sector currently earn about 50% more than other health professionals, highlighting the government’s continued commitment to their welfare despite prevailing economic difficulties.
