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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
The Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals (CGMDFTH) has appealed to the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to shelve its proposed strike for the sake of industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.
It also appealed to the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) to consider calling off its ongoing industrial action.
The committee, in a statement signed by Chairman, Prof Sa’ad Ahmed, Secretary, Dr Pokóp Bupwatda, and Public Relations Officer, Dr Philip Ugbodaga, and made available to newsmen in Jos, said that embarking on such a venture at this time would bring untold hardship to patients and their relatives.
In the statement entitled, “The Committee of Chief Medical Directors, Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria on the Ongoing and Impending Industrial Actions in Federal Tertiary Health Institutions: A Collective Appeal for Dialogue, Understanding and Industrial Harmony in Nigeria’s Health Sector”, the committee said that as a body set up to promote collaboration, constructive engagement, sound policy implementation and continuous improvement in healthcare delivery within Nigeria’s federal tertiary health institutions, it could not stand by and watch the situation deteriorate.
The statement said, “The Committee is deeply concerned by the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), as well as the recent notice issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) indicating its intention to resume its previously suspended industrial action from 12 January 2026.
“At the conclusion of its 112th Regular Meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in December 2025 at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, the Committee issued a communiqué urging all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts toward resolving outstanding issues in order to avert prolonged disruptions in healthcare service delivery across federal tertiary hospitals.
“In view of the continued JOHESU strike and the imminent resumption of industrial action by NARD, the Committee of CMDs/MDs respectfully and passionately appeals to the leadership and members of both unions to reconsider their current and proposed actions, and to re-embrace constructive dialogue as the most effective and sustainable path toward resolution.
“We acknowledge and deeply respect the legitimate concerns, welfare aspirations, and professional contributions of all health workers.
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“JOHESU and NARD remain indispensable partners in the healthcare system, and their dedication has continued to sustain services under very challenging circumstances. It is precisely because of this critical role that we appeal for restraint, understanding, and renewed engagement.
“While recognising that negotiations and advocacy are integral to labour relations, the body noted that prolonged disruptions in tertiary health institutions inevitably impose severe hardship on patients – many of whom have no alternative source of specialised care.
“The consequences are often irreversible, particularly for critically ill patients who depend on timely interventions.
“As Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors, we are committed to doing everything within our statutory authority to minimise service disruptions.
“However, the reality remains that no contingency arrangement can fully replace the collective presence and expertise of the healthcare workforce.
“As a way forward, the Committee appealed to JOHESU to consider suspending its ongoing industrial action in the interest of patients and national stability, and NARD to reconsider its planned resumption of industrial action and allow ongoing engagements to mature; all parties [should] prioritise sustained dialogue, mutual trust, and good-faith negotiations.
“We firmly believe that with patience, empathy, and shared responsibility, the outstanding issues can be resolved without further compromising lives or public confidence in the health system.”
