Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari has come out to urge striking doctors and other health workers to return to their duty posts.

He recently revealed this in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria Medical Association at the State House on Friday.

According to him, embarking on industrial action when Nigerians need them the most is not the best action, so he can only urge them to have a rethink.

He added that his government has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, so outstanding benefits owed to medical doctors will definitely be cleared after verifications.

His words, “The lives of citizens that could be lost or damaged when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences.”

“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to the government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role. Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.”

“This administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed to health workers will be settled.”

“I learnt that some of the 12 points demanded in the ongoing strike were already addressed, though the review of a new hazard allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.”

“I request that the agreement reached in the meetings of 20th and 21st August captured in the MoU which I have seen be religiously implemented.”

“We are also supporting initiatives to expand health insurance coverage and bring more resources to health financing. We have many more challenges ahead and much more to do, for our large population.”

“In this respect, it is important to remind you that, as senior medical personnel and representatives of one of the most respected professional groups in the world, your responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians are clear.”

“It does not end only with the welfare of your members, but continues with a sense of responsibility for the entire country and its socio-political health and national stability.”