The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has ended its nationwide warning strike and instructed its members to return to work today. The strike, which lasted for seven days, was prompted by the kidnapping of Ganiyat Popoola, a registrar in the ophthalmology department at the National Eye Centre in Kaduna. Popoola was abducted on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew from the senior staff quarters of the eye centre. While her husband was released in March following negotiations with the abductors, Popoola and her nephew remain in captivity. In July, NARD had given the government a two-week deadline to address the situation. On Monday, NARD President Dele Abdullahi reported to TheCable that talks with the government had been productive. “It was a seven-day warning strike so we have suspended it yesterday. The engagement with the federal government is currently going well and they have agreed to a line of actions,” he said.
“We will be meeting to review the progress the government has made in the next three weeks.”
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) had expressed solidarity with the resident doctors on their strike.
The union denounced Popoola’s abduction and called on the federal government and state authorities to mobilise security agencies to secure her release.
The union also urged President Bola Tinubu to implement advanced security measures to combat the rising threats of kidnapping, banditry, and organised crimes in Nigeria.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has confirmed recent media reports about its $6 billion debt to fuel suppliers.
These reports indicate that the ongoing fuel scarcity across the country is worsened by the $6 billion owed to suppliers by NNPC.
In a statement at the weekend, NNPC spokesperson Olufemi Soneye said that this financial burden has significantly pressured the company and threatens the sustainability of fuel supply in the nation.
He however assured that the company is collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products across the nation.
“NNPC Ltd has acknowledged recent reports in national newspapers regarding the company’s significant debt to petrol suppliers. This financial strain has placed considerable pressure on the Company and poses a threat to the sustainability of fuel supply.
“In line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), NNPC Ltd remains dedicated to its role as the supplier of last resort, ensuring national energy security. We are actively collaborating with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to maintain a consistent supply of petroleum products nationwide,” the statement read.
