There may be end in sight for the four days long strike embarked by National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has begun the payment of backlog of resident doctors nationwide.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, who made the revelation yesterday at the resumed negotiations between government and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja, explained that the office of the Accountant General of the Federation had remitted the arrears to the apex bank for immediate action.
Recall that payment of backlogs of salaries of residents Doctors nationwide was part of their demands.
Also yesterday, Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, directed all chief medical directors and medical directors of federal hospitals to immediately engage the services of casual doctors pending the resolution of the crisis.
But this development has been welcomed with criticism by the TUC. It described the order as reckless, unguarded and very unbecoming of the office of a highly placed government functionary.
Labour argued that if the current administration must towed this line, it should also employ casual officials as ministers and special aides, saying this would help the country save enough money.
In a statement by its president, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, TUC said Nigeria had become a joke in the comity of nations owing to remarks lacking intellectual depth.