The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to deduct seven days’ pay from doctors’ salaries following their recent strike.
The strike was staged to demand the rescue of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, who was kidnapped in December 2023 at the National Eye Centre, Kaduna.
According to The PUNCH, NARD’s Vice President II, Dr. Kefas Wida, described the government’s response as “insensitive” and said the doctors remain steadfast in their demands.
“If cutting our salaries is the price we have to pay to ensure the return of our colleague, so be it,” Wida stated. “The life of our colleague is far more valuable than any amount of money they threaten to withhold.”
The resident doctors had embarked on a seven-day warning strike to protest the government’s inaction regarding the rescue of Dr. Popoola. In response, the Federal Government warned that the doctors would lose pay for the days they were on strike, invoking the “no work, no pay” policy.
However, Dr. Wida emphasized that the association is undeterred by the pay cut. “We are fully aware of the government’s threats before going on strike,” he said.
“Our priority is the safe return of our colleague, and we are prepared to pursue our demands despite these threats.”
Wida also expressed frustration with the government’s focus on the salary deduction rather than addressing the doctors’ core concern.
“It is disheartening that instead of focusing on rescuing our colleague, the government chooses to threaten us. But we remain committed to our cause,” he concluded.
