Nigeria’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has cautioned the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) against proceeding with their proposed five-day warning strike, describing it as illegal.
Ngige issued the warning in a statement after receiving a letter from NARD executive, informing him of the impending industrial action, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
Heritage Times HT gathered that upon receiving the letter on the same day, Ngige immediately contacted the Minister of Health, who disclosed that a meeting had been arranged with the resident doctors on May 17.
Ngige advised the doctors to participate in the scheduled meeting to engage in dialogue with their employer, rather than embarking on a warning strike, which he deemed unrecognized by the law.
Ngige who stressed that there is no such thing as a “warning strike,” discouraged the doctors from taking such action.
He explained that “while the doctors have the right to strike, their employer also has the right, as stated in Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act, to withhold their pay for the duration of the strike.”
Ngige suggested that “if NARD has strike funds to compensate their members, they may proceed with the strike.”
However, he warned that “teaching hospitals would be directed to employ ad hoc doctors during the strike period, with the payment sourced from the salaries of those who participated in the strike.”
Regarding the doctors’ demands, Ngige highlighted that the Federal Government lacks the authority to compel states to adopt the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) since health matters fall under the residual list, where both federal and state governments can legislate.
He clarified that the role of the Federal Government is to formulate policies, while states have the freedom to develop their own policies.
Ngige further explained that the MRTF payment for 2023 has not been released due to the ongoing execution of the 2022 budget.
He refuted NARD’s claim that the Federal Government failed to pay minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears, affirming that all workers in the Education and Health Sectors, including defence agencies, have received the adjustment.
Regarding the issue of states owing doctors, Ngige stressed that the federal government cannot declare a nationwide strike since the matter falls under the jurisdiction of the states.
He went on to note stated that the Executive arm of government cannot interfere in a private member’s bill concerning the bonding of doctors for five years, as it impinges on the autonomy of the legislative arm.
Ngige advised the doctors against demanding a 200 percent pay rise, deeming it impractical.
He mentioned the government’s efforts in improving conditions for doctors and other health sector workers, such as the review of hazard allowances.
The minister also noted that negotiations between the Nigeria Medical Association and relevant bodies were ongoing to address pay raises for doctors.
Ngige pointed out the inconsistency of student doctors going on strike while their consultants, who train them, were already engaged in negotiations with the government.
