The Nigerian Government has appealed to the members of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, to call off their seven-day warning strike.
The Minister of State for Health Tunji Alausa disclosed this on Thursday when he visited the National Eye Centre in Kaduna and made a public appeal regarding the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Dr. Ganiyat Popoola, a kidnapped colleague.
Dr. Popoola, who has been held by her abductors since December 2023, is a staff member of the National Eye Centre. The minister reassured that negotiations for her safe return are progressing and emphasized that he is actively involved in coordinating with various authorities to resolve the situation.
Alausa reported that discussions are ongoing with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and he has also been in touch with the Commissioner of Police to expedite the rescue efforts. Despite the kidnappers frequently changing their demands, security agencies are persistently working towards Dr. Popoola’s safe release.
In addition to addressing the security situation, Alausa revealed that he had met with the leadership of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday. The purpose of this meeting was to persuade the association to halt their strike, which had been initiated as part of their advocacy for Dr. Popoola’s release. Alausa argued that continuing the strike could potentially exacerbate the crisis.
Despite these efforts, Ibrahim Mohammed, Chairman of the National Eye Centre, confirmed that the strike remains in effect. He noted that the strike has been supported by medical and dental consultants and is in line with directives from the national body.
The strike, which began as a seven-day warning strike, underscores the association’s serious concern over the prolonged captivity of Dr. Popoola and its demand for her prompt and safe return.
