Resident doctors in Nigeria have extended their strike ultimatum by an additional four weeks, citing slow progress in resolving longstanding issues surrounding their welfare, remuneration and working conditions.
The decision follows ongoing discussions with the Federal Government and other relevant authorities, but the doctors say the engagements have yet to produce satisfactory outcomes capable of addressing their concerns.
The doctors had earlier issued a nationwide strike ultimatum, demanding improved funding for healthcare institutions, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, better working conditions and the implementation of agreements reached with the government.
Although negotiations are continuing, the association said the progress made so far has been insufficient, prompting it to extend the deadline by another four weeks to allow more time for dialogue and possible resolution.
The extension temporarily averts an immediate industrial action but leaves the threat of a nationwide strike hanging over Nigeria’s health sector if the outstanding issues remain unresolved.
The development has sparked fresh concerns among patients, healthcare stakeholders and hospital administrators, who fear that a breakdown in talks could lead to widespread disruption of medical services across the country.
Resident doctors play a critical role in the nation’s public healthcare system, providing frontline medical services in federal and state-owned hospitals. Any prolonged industrial action could significantly affect access to healthcare, increase waiting times for patients and place additional pressure on already overstretched medical facilities.
The association urged the Federal Government to use the four-week extension to address its demands and prevent a nationwide shutdown of health services.
It stressed that improving the welfare of healthcare workers, ensuring timely payment of salaries and allowances, and investing more in the country’s healthcare system remain essential to strengthening medical service delivery and avoiding recurring industrial disputes.
The doctors expressed hope that ongoing negotiations would yield concrete results before the expiration of the extended ultimatum, warning that failure to resolve the issues could leave them with no option but to embark on a nationwide strike.