Nigerian Doctors Begin Seven-Day Strike Following Abduction of Colleague

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a seven-day warning strike following the abduction of their colleague, Dr. Ganiyat Popoola. The decision was made during an emergency virtual meeting of the National Executive Council held on Sunday.

Dr Popoola, a resident ophthalmologist at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna, was kidnapped along with her husband and nephew on December 27, 2023.

Although her husband was released in March, Dr Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity, sparking frustration and anger within the medical community.

NARD’s decision to strike comes after repeated pleas to the government and security agencies for swift action to secure Dr Popoola’s release were ignored.

NARD President, Dr Dele Abdullahi, voiced the association’s dismay over the lack of concrete action, emphasising that doctors have reached the end of their patience.

“The strike is commencing by midnight today. It’s a seven-day warning strike, and it will be total,” Abdullahi stated. “During this period, there will be no concessions and no emergency care.”

The association had previously threatened to strike if Dr. Popoola was not freed by August 26, 2024, a deadline that has now passed. Dr Abdullahi reiterated the association’s stance, stating, “Any centre found to have defaulted on NARD’s decision will face heavy fines and be barred from participating in the upcoming NARD Annual General Meeting.”

The abduction of Dr Popoola has drawn widespread attention and support. Earlier in August, resident doctors in Ondo State staged a peaceful protest demanding her immediate release, highlighting broader concerns about the safety and security of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. These professionals, essential to society, are increasingly becoming targets of violent crimes.

NARD is calling for enhanced security measures for medical professionals, improved working conditions, and more robust government intervention to ensure their safety. The strike has the potential to significantly disrupt healthcare services across Nigeria, as resident doctors are a critical component of the nation’s medical workforce.

The medical community stands united in their demand for justice and safety, declaring that they will not back down until Dr Popoola is safely returned and assurances are provided regarding the protection of all healthcare workers. The situation remains fluid, with NARD indicating that additional actions may be taken if their demands are not met. The association has also planned a series of protests and press conferences to maintain pressure on the government and keep the public informed about the ongoing crisis.

The outcome of this strike could have far-reaching implications for both the healthcare sector and the broader issue of professional safety in Nigeria.

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