From: Magnus Eze, Abuja
The Federal Government has called for a meeting with striking resident doctors and other stakeholders in the health industry to resolve the ongoing industrial action.
The meeting scheduled for, Wednesday, at the instance of Labour and Employment Minister, Senator Chris Ngige is a crucial conciliation effort by government after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) allegedly reneged on a collective bargaining agreement reached with Federal Government on September 1 to shelve the strike.
A statement by the ministry’s spokesman, Samuel Oloowokere said: “In view of this unfortunate development, the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by the Trade Dispute Act 2004, has apprehended the on-going strike by NARD . Consequently, the meeting between NARD and government earlier scheduled for November 2, 2017 is now convened for Wednesday, 6th September 2017 by 12 noon at the Conference Room of the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment. “
It implored all stakeholders to attend the meeting, stressing that the health and well-being of Nigerians were cardinal to the present administration, hence, every necessary measure shall be taken to restore normalcy.