CDWR BACKS RESIDENT DOCTORS AND HEALTH WORKERS’ STRIKES

CDWR CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO MEET THEIR DEMANDS AND ADEQUATELY FUND HEALTHCARE

The ongoing strikes of resident doctors and other health care workers have paralysed many public hospitals across the country because government has failed to improve healthcare services and meet workers’ demands for improved welfare and working conditions. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on strike since November 1, 2025. One of the key demands is for upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and 2024 Accoutrements Allowances amongst others. It was the failure of the federal government to meet the demands that led to the strike.

Similarly, healthcare workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) commenced their strike on November 14, 2025 after the federal government had failed to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and other lingering welfare issues and poor working conditions. JOHESU is made up of Medical and Health Workers’ Union, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals, Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and Senior Staff Association of Universities.

These ongoing strikes have made it impossible for many Nigerians to access medical treatment at most public tertiary hospitals including those on critical health conditions. While workers and the poor cannot access quality medical healthcare, members of the capitalist ruling elite and top public office holders regularly embark on expensive medical tourism at the expense of public funds. For medical doctors to be on strike for 21 days and still counting shows a profound lack of seriousness attached to social services like healthcare, education etc. by the Tinubu-led government. The underfunding of the critical public service sectors, neglect of social amenities and their undemocratic management are responsible for the crippling state of the health care sector.

The Campaign for Democratic and Workers’ Rights (CDWR) calls on the Tinubu-led government to immediately meet the demands of NARD and JOHESU and generally improve welfare and working conditions of health workers. CDWR calls for adequate funding of healthcare sector as well as democratic management that include elected representatives of workers and community people.

We also call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to organise solidarity actions in support of the striking medical and health workers.

Comrade Rufus Olusesan

National Coordinator

Comrade Chinedu Bosah

National Publicity Secretary

E-mail: [email protected]