Nigerian doctors suspend 10-day strike

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Ten days after it began, Nigerian doctors on Thursday suspended their strike, giving the government one more chance to address their wide-ranging grievances.

The decision to suspend the strike “was reached following appeals from the federal government that more time should be given to enable them meet the demands of the doctors,” Segun Olaopa, chairman of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), told reporters on Thursday, one day after the doctors met with government representatives in the capital Abuja.

Olaopa said the doctors will review their decision in the next two weeks to measure government compliance with their demands.

The doctors’ demands include payment of salary arrears, promotions for those who meet the criteria, improving poor working conditions, and increased funding for the health sector.

The doctors on July 30 issued a 21-day ultimatum for the government to meet its demands or honor earlier agreements such as ones on workers’ pay and working conditions.

The strike ramped up pressure on President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which already faces criticism over an ongoing strike by varsity lecturers across Nigeria over unfulfilled agreements.