During the meeting, President Tinubu expressed great concern about the plight of the resident doctors and requested more time to resolve the issues raised by them. He acknowledged that some of the doctors' concerns were not previously known to him and assured that actions would be taken to address them promptly.
The resident doctors had embarked on a strike as the government failed to meet their demands, which include the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the release of the circular on one-for-one replacement. They are also demanding the payment of skipping arrears and an upward review of CONMESS in line with full salary restoration to the 2014 value of CONMESS.
Additionally, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to reverse perceived anti-poor policies, including the recent hike in the pump price of petrol. Failure to comply may result in an indefinite nationwide strike starting from August 2.
In response to the demands of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, the House of Representatives plans to continue engaging in dialogue to find ways to meet their expectations. The Speaker, Mr. Abbas, urged the labour unions to give the new government of President Tinubu more time to address their concerns effectively and work towards resolving them in the best interests of all parties involved.
The federal government remains committed to finding amicable solutions to the ongoing disputes with both the resident doctors and the labour unions, as they play critical roles in the nation's healthcare and overall workforce. Through dialogue and negotiation, the government aims to create a conducive environment that addresses the needs and well-being of all stakeholders in the country.