The doctors’ strike entered Day 15 on Saturday as fresh unrest swept Nigeria’s health sector.
Again, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) demanded a speedy conclusion of the long-delayed Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The union also insisted on a full review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.
NARD posted a statement on X calling for fairness and improved working conditions for doctors.
The doctors said rising costs and delayed agreements have pushed morale to alarming levels.
They urged the government to finalise the CBA and update the salary structure immediately.
The strike has disrupted services in 91 hospitals across the country.
Major federal teaching hospitals and specialist centres have been heavily affected.
Patients nationwide continue to experience long delays and cancelled procedures.
NARD said its 19-point demand list is fair and necessary for a functional health system.
The list includes payment of CONMESS arrears and the 2025 Residency Training Fund.
It also covers specialist allowances, postgraduate recognition and better working environments.
The union said these measures are crucial to keep doctors in the system.
President Bola Tinubu directed the Health Ministry to resolve the crisis without delay, but NARD said the directive has not stopped delays in the CBA and salary review.
They warned that rising living costs continue to overwhelm medical professionals.
Meanwhile, another major shutdown began on Saturday.
JOHESU and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations commenced an indefinite nationwide strike.
Their action targets the government’s failure to implement the adjusted CONHESS structure.
The unions said welfare issues have been ignored for too long.
JOHESU’s chairman, Kabiru Minjibir, confirmed the decision in a statement on Friday.
He said the strike followed years of unfulfilled promises from the Federal Government.
The unions accused successive administrations of ignoring salary disparities in the sector.
They said the High-Level Body Committee report on adjusted CONHESS remains untouched since 2022.
JOHESU noted that even after the PCS was reconstituted, the issue received no priority.
The unions said government only began to act within the last 48 hours.
They described their CONHESS demand as one of Nigeria’s longest labour battles.
The unions vowed not to back down until full implementation begins.
All JOHESU affiliates across federal health institutions are expected to join the shutdown.
This new strike comes on top of NARD’s ongoing industrial action.
Doctors are protesting against unpaid hazard allowances and poor working conditions.
Hospitals now face extreme pressure as both groups withdraw their services.
JOHESU warned its members to comply fully and resist any form of intimidation.
