President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a direct order to the Federal Ministry of Health to end the ongoing strike by resident doctors and ensure their “prompt return to work,” as the nationwide walkout continues to disrupt healthcare services across the country.
The directive was disclosed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, who apologized to Nigerians for the impact of the strike and assured the public the government is working to restore normalcy. “Mr President has expressly directed that we must ensure resident doctors resume work without delay,” Salako stated.
The minister outlined steps the administration has taken to resolve the crisis, which stems from 19 outstanding issues, including a contentious circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission that created divisions among healthcare professionals. He revealed the government has recruited over 14,000 health workers in 2024, plans to hire 23,000 more, and has approved N21.3 billion to offset arrears, with 60% already disbursed.
Salako emphasized the need for collaboration, stating, “The health sector operates as a team; no cadre can function effectively in isolation,” and appealed to the striking doctors and other unions to cooperate with the government.
Why It Matters
President Tinubu’s direct intervention is a clear signal that the government feels the political heat from a paralyzed health sector. However, a presidential order to return to work does not automatically address the root causes of the strike. The government’s list of actions—recruitment drives and fund disbursements—is an attempt to showcase progress, but the fact that 19 complex issues remain “outstanding” suggests the core grievances are far from resolved.
This top-down command may force doctors back to hospitals temporarily, but without genuine dialogue and tangible results, it risks being a short-term fix that merely sets the stage for the next inevitable breakdown. True resolution requires building trust, not just issuing directives.
