The House of Representatives has opened discussions with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in a bid to resolve the ongoing industrial action disrupting the nation’s health sector.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Amos Magaji, disclosed this during an interview on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” on Wednesday.
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He said the committee had begun direct engagement with the leadership of NARD to ensure accountability and transparency in the government’s dealings with medical workers.
“I sat with the leadership of the Association of Resident Doctors, and we have started engaging with them,” Magaji said. “Whatever agreements have been reached with the Federal Government on remuneration, salary adjustments, or allowances, we want to have a copy. We want to ensure such commitments are reflected in the national budget.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over repeated breakdowns in negotiations between the government and medical unions, blaming them on insincere agreements.
“In the past, we’ve had quick fixes that end up being ignored after strikes are suspended. This time, we’ll make sure every agreement is genuine and implemented,” he stated.
Magaji added that the committee would classify doctors’ demands by feasibility and timelines while ensuring strict legislative oversight on implementation.
The engagement comes as NARD begins an indefinite strike following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unmet demands. NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the union’s decision followed a five-hour emergency meeting of its National Executive Council.
