The Federal government has appealed to the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to suspend its ongoing seven-day warning strike, which was declared in response to the abduction of several members, including Dr. Popoola Ganiyat, who was kidnapped eight months ago.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, made the appeal during a meeting with NARD leaders in Abuja, stressing that the government is actively working to address the doctors’ concerns.
According to a statement from the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia, Onyejeocha emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens and pledged that steps are being taken to secure the release of the kidnapped doctors.
Onyejeocha urged the doctors to reconsider their strike action due to its impact on patient care and the potential risks to lives, highlighting the humanitarian role of medical professionals.
She noted that President Bola Tinubu has been engaging with security agencies to resolve the abduction crisis and has ordered enhanced security measures around hospitals.
She reiterated the government’s dedication to safeguarding lives and preventing further incidents, stating, “Work is ongoing, and I plead with you to rescind the decision to continue the strike. As we speak, people who are not kidnapped are dying. Seven days is too much; people die in under one hour if they do not have any doctor to attend to them.”
The Minister also extended condolences to the families of victims who lost their lives due to abductions and ongoing security challenges.
