News

Shock as resident doctors begin strike over salaries

Published

9 years ago

September 5, 2017

The Federal Government last night expressed “deep shock and utter disappointment as Resident Doctors began yesterday an indefinite strike to press home their demand for better pay.

The action is coming three days after their leadership signed a memorandum of terms of settlement with the government.

Ministry of Labour and Employment spokesman Samuel Olowookere, in a statement, said the Federal Government was disapointed over the sudden u-turn by the leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD ) after it had reached a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the Federal Ministry of Health on its six-point demand.

He added: “Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige, “in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Trade Dispute Act 2004, has apprehended the ongoing strike by NARD. Consequently, the meeting between NARD and the government earlier scheduled for November 2 is now slated for Wednesday, September 6, 2017 (tomorrow) by noon at the Conference Room of the Minister of Labour and Employment. ”

“All stakeholders are implored to attend this crucial meeting. The health and well-being of Nigerians are cardinal to President Buhari’s administration. Hence, every measure necessary shall be taken to restore normalcy”.

Rising from their National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, the doctors said they were rejecting the terms of settlement, which would have seen the strike being suspended.

But the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) warned doctors on internship not to join the strike.

They risk repeating their programme, if they do, it said.

In a notice of strike sent to chief medical directors and medical directors of hospitals and signed by the President and Secretary General, Dr. Onyebueze John and Dr. Aneke Emmanuel, the resident doctors said they rejected the terms, but did not give any reason for doing so.

The letter reads: “The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, rising from her extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting which held on Sunday, 3rd September 2017 at Parkview Hotels, Abuja, rejected the Memorandum of terms of settlement from government on the items of her demand for strike and resolved to proceed on the proposed national, total and indefinite strike with effect from 8am Monday, 4th September 2017.”

A message from the President of the Resident Doctors also reads: “Rising from our NEC meeting which started by 7pm yesterday (Sunday) and ended 3am today (Monday), NARD resolved to reject the promissory offer from government and proceed on total and indefinite strike until all items in her demand list are resolved by government.”

The doctors are contesting what they described as the government’s failure to:

pay our salary shortfall of 2016 and January to May 2017;
rectify the salary shortfall from August 2017;
circularize House Officers’ entry point;
correct the stagnation of promotion of our members and properly place them on their appropriate grade level;
enroll and capture our members on the Integrated Personnel Payment Information System (IPPIS) and
budget, deduct and remit both the employer’s and employees’ pension contributions to our retirement savings account since 2013.

After a meeting between the government’s representatives and officials of the doctors’ association and the Nigeria Medical Association on Thursday, both parties signed a memorandum of terms of agreement, pointing out that some of the issues being complained about by the association were already being addressed by the government.

The memorandum was signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole. Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni, National President of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Prof. Mike O. Ogirima, National Association of Resident Doctors President Onyebueze John and of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission Chairman Richard Egbule.

Other signatories are representatives of Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and the Budget Office of the Federation.

The memorandum reads: “The meeting noted that some Federal Tertiary Health Institutions (FHTI) have paid a percentage of salaries to Resident Doctors and are consequently in arrears of salary payments to members of NARD and Honorary Consultants.

“It was also noted that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) had started the process of paying the shortfall of salaries owed in batches. It was therefore concluded that the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) should forward the list of the recipient FHTI to the Honourable Minister of Health to ensure that the released fund was used for its intended purpose. The payment for other FHTI not captured to be implemented before the end of October 2017.”

On shortfall in salaries, it was agreed that “the Director Hospital Services is to address a circular/letter to the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and state therein that the released funds should be used solely for salaries and shortfalls. The Federal Ministry of Finance should ensure that monthly salaries are paid in full.

“Reference was made to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached at the 7th Senate in 2014, and House of Representatives with the Speaker presiding in 2016, where parties agreed to use the quantum of monies contained in CONHESS 9:4 for CONMESS 1:1.

“It was concluded that effect should be given to previous Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) reached on this issue so that CONHESS 9:4 would be in parity with CONMESS 1:1. The Chairman NSIWC to get this circularised, after getting the quantum from FMoH. All matters on this issue should be finalised before the preparation of 2018 Budget is concluded.

“Issues of skipping and matters ancillary thereto were discussed. The meeting noted that the Federal Ministry of Health had appealed against the ruling of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) on skipping and that a date has been given by the Court of Appeal for hearing in March, 2018.

“It was further noted that a major issue is the improper placements on appropriate Salary Grade Levels. It was concluded that a proper guideline should be provided by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and that Item 4 of the MoU of December 16, 2013 should be adopted.

“The Item 4 states that ‘the FMoH, NSIWC, NMA should urgently review the NMA’s proposal on skipping of CONTISS 10/CONHESS10/COMESS 2 in the new Scheme of Service with a view to amending it to reflect the suspension of the circular on unauthorised skipping of equivalent of CONMESS 2 for medical doctors in the Public Service.

“The amended proposal shall be forwarded to the HCSF through the FMoH for an onward presentation to the forthcoming National Council on Establishment (NCE) on 24th January, 2014 in Ilorin.” In view of this earlier position, it was concluded that the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH) should drive this issue and that no circular should be issued on the matter until it is concluded by the HMoH.

“In view of the expected meeting of the Council of Establishment, the end of October was given as the tentative time limit to conclude the assignment by the FMoH and Office of the HCSF. Hospitals that are yet to implement skipping for doctors are to commence and henceforth, promotions should be in accordance with the Public Service Rules.

“Based on the information given by the members of NARD, it was noted that only 18 Federal Tertiary Health Institutions had so far submitted their Nominal Roll. The meeting concluded that NARD members should be on the IPPIS platform and that the CMDs as well as the MDs should be requested by the FMoH to submit their Nominal Roll to the Office of the Accountant General of The Federation (OAGF) and copy to the FMoH and FML&E on or before September 15, 2017. It was agreed that all Resident Doctors should be captured on IPPIS platform by the end of October 2017.

“It was concluded that NARD members are on pensionable appointment and, as such, the FMoH in conjunction with OAGF and Budget Office of the Federation (BOF) should take necessary steps to ensure that adequate budgetary allocations are made to cover the Pension requirements of NARD members.

“Furthermore, FMoH should issue a letter in that regard to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation who would correspond with the Budget Office of the Federation for necessary action, as the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) had in a letter of February 12, 2015, Ref.PENCOM/INSP/C&E/CCPA/66/15/1167 to the Honourable Minister of Health affirmed that members of NARD are “employees”.

“In view of the foregoing terms of settlement, NARD agreed to meet in an Emergency Session before Monday, September 4, 2017, for the presentation of this Memorandum to her National Executive Council with a view to averting the scheduled strike.”

News

Army reveals how month-long operation freed 44 abducted Oyo pupils, teachers

Published

2 days ago

July 11, 2026

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The Nigerian Army on Friday revealed how a month-long intelligence-driven joint security operation led to the rescue of 44 pupils and teachers abducted by terrorists in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The victims, who were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, regained their freedom on July 10 after spending 56 days in captivity.

The Acting Deputy Director, 2 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, disclosed this in a statement, saying the operation was carefully planned and executed to ensure the victims were rescued unharmed without collateral damage.

According to him, the operation was coordinated by the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Maj. Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser through the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Defence Headquarters, the Nigerian Army Special Forces, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the National Intelligence Agency, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Corps, as well as local vigilantes and hunters.

Jonah said intelligence gathered during the operation enabled security operatives to identify the terrorist kingpins responsible for the abduction, dismantle their criminal network, disrupt their logistics chain, expose informants and locate their hideouts in the Old Oyo National Park and adjoining forests.

He added that several suspects were arrested in Oyo State and other parts of the country, a development that significantly weakened the criminal syndicate and intensified pressure on the kidnappers.

According to the army spokesman, the sustained pressure eventually forced the terrorists to release the abducted pupils and teachers unconditionally.

“The arrests completely disorganised the group, exerted overwhelming pressure on them and ultimately led the terrorist group to unconditionally release the pupils and teachers,” the statement read.

The Army, however, disclosed that some security personnel lost their lives during the operation.

It added that the rescued pupils and teachers were receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital before being handed over to the Oyo State Government for reunification with their families.

Nnebeife, on behalf of the participating security agencies, commended President Bola Tinubu for providing strategic direction, resources and support that contributed to the successful operation.

He also appreciated Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and residents of the state for their cooperation throughout the rescue mission.

The GOC further acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, other Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, the Directors-General of the DSS and the NIA, as well as heads of other security agencies for ensuring seamless coordination.

He equally thanked media organisations and Nigerians for their patience, understanding and confidence in the country’s security architecture.

Nnebeife urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to strengthen efforts at tackling kidnapping, terrorism and other violent crimes.

News

Tinubu hails rescue of Oyo pupils, teachers after 56-day ordeal, eight kidnappers held

Published

2 days ago

July 11, 2026

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President Bola Tinubu on Friday hailed the successful rescue of abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire community in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, after 56 days in captivity, commending the military, the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force for the operation.

The President said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the rescue mission, while several others were neutralised, describing the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity and a source of relief to the victims, their families and the country.

Tinubu’s commendation was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

He expressed sympathy for the pupils, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the nearly two-month ordeal, assuring them that his administration would ensure those responsible for the crime faced justice.

“I am profoundly happy that our security forces successfully rescued the abducted pupils and teachers from Oriire, Ogbomoso in Oyo State today after a military, police and intelligence-driven operation that neutralised some of the terrorists that perpetrated the evil act and the arrest of eight of them,” the President said.

He added, “This successful military operation has ended the siege and standoff of over 50 days and has brought relief to the entire nation and the affected families in particular. On behalf of the country, I express my gratitude to the officers and men of our armed forces, the intelligence agencies and the police for the safe rescue of the children and their teachers.”

Tinubu vowed that his administration would prosecute those behind the abduction, including those responsible for the killing of one of the teachers, Mr Oyedokun.

“My government will get justice for these children and their teachers and for the family of Mr Oyedokun, who the terrorists gruesomely murdered,” he said.

The President also commended the Oyo State Government for working closely with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation.

“I must commend the Government of Oyo State for working cooperatively with us in bringing this unfortunate incident to a successful end,” he added.

Tinubu further directed relevant emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued pupils and teachers with immediate medical attention, psychosocial support and other relief assistance to aid their recovery.

He also urged the Oyo State Government to strengthen security around schools to forestall similar incidents in the future.

News

Abducted Oyo pupils, teachers regain freedom

Published

3 days ago

July 10, 2026

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There was widespread relief on Friday as the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State regained their freedom after days in captivity.

The development was announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a post on his verified X handle.

Onanuga wrote, “Finally, the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Orire, Oyo have been freed by their abductors.”

Shortly after the announcement, a video circulating online showed the freed victims expressing gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and security operatives for securing their release.

In the video, some of the victims thanked the President for his intervention and commended the efforts of security agencies, saying they were grateful to have regained their freedom after the traumatic ordeal.

The development brought an end to days of anxiety for the victims’ families, colleagues and residents of the affected communities, who had waited in hope for their safe return.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and security agencies had yet to disclose the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release, including whether any ransom was paid or whether their freedom was secured through negotiations or a rescue operation.

Details later.