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Hospitals Deserted As Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Nationwide Warning Strike

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The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially commenced a five-day nationwide warning strike, beginning at 8:00 am on Friday, September 12 and scheduled to end on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

The strike action comes after the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, following an earlier 10-day deadline that lapsed on September 10 without resolution.

Resident doctors, medical graduates undergoing specialist training, play a critical role in emergency wards and public hospitals across Nigeria.

According to NARD, the strike was agreed upon during an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Wednesday, September 10 and concluded in the early hours of the following day.

“Arising from the NARD E-NEC meeting… the NEC members unanimously resolved to embark on a five-day warning strike,” read a statement from the association.

In a follow-up message confirming the commencement of the strike, NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, stated:

“Good morning NEC members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday). All centre leaderships are expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated in due course.”

In a communique earlier on September 1, 2025, NARD highlighted several unmet demands, including:

  • Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
  • Settlement of 5-month salary arrears linked to the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review
  • Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
  • Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
  • Recognition of the West African Postgraduate Medical Certificates
  • Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
  • Implementation of the 2024 revised CONMESS
  • Addressing unresolved welfare issues in Kaduna State
  • Improved working conditions at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso

The communique was signed by NARD President, Dr. Osundara, General Secretary, Dr. Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.

Responding to the strike notice, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Isaq Salako, had expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations could prevent industrial action.

“The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing, we are making progress,” Salako said during a recent appearance on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television.

He acknowledged that the main issue was the outstanding residency training allowance, revealing that about 40% of the 2025 amount remained unpaid.

“It is my hope, and that is what we are working on, that the matter will be resolved before the ultimatum expires,” he added.

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Nigerians Can’t Endure Another Fuel Scarcity – Tonye Cole

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Tonye Cole, the 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has expressed deep concern over the potential return of fuel scarcity in Nigeria, warning that citizens are already under immense economic pressure.

Speaking during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, Cole emphasized that another disruption in fuel supply would be devastating.

“Nigerians cannot afford another scarcity of fuel today,” he said.

“People are already facing extremely difficult conditions, and any further crisis will only deepen their suffering.”

Cole, a co-founder and former Group Executive Director of Sahara Group, praised the federal government for its swift intervention in the recent standoff between Dangote Refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), describing it as essential to preventing nationwide hardship.

Addressing the issue of workers’ rights, Cole underscored the importance of labour unions in a democratic society.

“Unions are vital for ensuring a balance between employers, employees, and the government,” he stated.

“They give workers a voice, and the government must protect the people’s interests.”

When asked whether Dangote Refinery was handling the situation appropriately, Cole remarked that any signed agreement must be respected.

“If a company signs an agreement, integrity demands that it honours it. Otherwise, all parties should return to the table for renegotiation.”

Cole also cautioned against allowing Dangote Refinery or any single entity to dominate Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

“Monopoly is extremely dangerous and unacceptable,” he warned.

“Competition strengthens businesses and ultimately benefits consumers. The use of government machinery to eliminate competitors is damaging to the economy and unfair to citizens.”

Just two days after suspending its nationwide strike, NUPENG accused Dangote Refinery of failing to uphold its commitments under a recent agreement.

In a joint statement signed by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union signaled the possibility of another strike.

“We are placing our members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended strike,” the union said.

“We urge civil society and labour groups to stand in solidarity.”

NUPENG alleged that Dangote Refinery had instructed truck drivers to remove union stickers from their vehicles, despite an agreement reached at the Department of State Services (DSS) office affirming workers’ rights to unionise.

The union also urged the federal government to stop the misuse of security agencies in labour-related matters and insisted that the signed agreement must be implemented in full.

The strike was initially suspended after all parties including Dangote Group, NUPENG, NLC, TUC, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The MoU guaranteed that Unionisation would begin immediately and conclude within two weeks, No employee would face repercussions for joining a union and The employer would not create or promote a parallel union.

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Nepal Returns To Calm As First Woman Prime Minister Takes Charge

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Nepal’s capital city of Kathmandu began to return to normal on Saturday following days of violent anti-corruption protests that left at least 51 people dead and led to the collapse of the government.

The unrest, the most severe since the country abolished its monarchy in 2008, forced sweeping political changes including the appointment of Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, as the country’s first female prime minister.

“Nepal has got its first woman prime minister,” said Suraj Bhattarai, a 51-year-old social worker.

“We think that the prime minister, our former chief justice, will address Nepal’s fight against corruption and take good governance forward.”

After days of military deployment and nationwide curfews, security forces began pulling back on Saturday.

Markets reopened, traffic resumed, and families were seen visiting temples, bringing a sense of relief to residents.

Karki, 73, was sworn in Friday evening at the presidential palace following a closed-door deal brokered by President Ram Chandra Paudel and Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel.

The move followed intense consultations with youth activists, especially representatives from the “Gen Z” protest movement.

The new interim government will oversee the country until fresh elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, with parliament now dissolved.

Thousands of young Nepalis, frustrated by corruption and high unemployment, organized much of the protest activity through platforms like Discord, where they openly debated leadership options.

“The interim government decision is good for now,” said Durga Magar, 23, who works in a Kathmandu shop.

“The main issue for the people, especially young people, at this time is corruption.”
“It doesn’t matter whether it is Gen Z, or anyone older in politics who tackles it, it just needs to stop.”

The economic frustration fueling the protests is real, nearly 20% of Nepalis aged 15 to 24 are unemployed and the GDP per capita is just $1,447, according to the World Bank.

“We don’t know what will happen in the future now, but we are satisfied today and hope it will not remain as tense ahead,” Magar added.

Despite the current calm, Nepal faces significant challenges.

More than 12,500 inmates reportedly escaped during the unrest, posing serious national security concerns.

In addition, protesters’ calls for a complete overhaul of the political establishment remain loud and clear.

Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who resigned on Tuesday during his fourth stint in power, has not been seen since.

“They were playing a game of musical chairs,” said Shikhar Bajracharya, a 32-year-old businessman in Kathmandu.
“There was no possibility for younger people to come into power.”

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent his congratulations to Karki, expressing support for Nepal’s stability.

“Best wishes to Prime Minister Karki. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal,” Modi said in a statement on Saturday.

As the dust settles, many in Nepal hope that the new interim leader, known for her integrity and independence, can restore trust and chart a new path for the country.

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Charly Boy Seeks Wife For 46-Year-Old Son Ahead Of Return To Nigeria

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Veteran entertainer and activist, Charly Boy, has taken to social media to announce that he is actively searching for a wife for his 46-year-old son, who is expected to return to Nigeria next month.

In a candid post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Charly Boy revealed key details about his son, describing him as a master’s degree holder, 5 feet 11 inches tall and “very humble.”

He also disclosed that his son had previously been married but is now divorced.

Charly Boy made it clear that he has specific expectations for any potential partner.

He emphasized that the ideal candidate should come from a good home with humble beginnings and must be a verified university graduate.

“If you’re from a good home with humble beginnings, DM me,” he wrote.

“If you’re not an authentic graduate, don’t bother. I need to tie him to Nigeria.”

He expressed concern over his son’s hesitation to enter a new relationship since his divorce, suggesting that the experience may have left him wary of commitment.

“He is coming next month. He is a master’s degree holder, age 46. 5ft 11ins. Very humble. If you’re not an authentic graduate, don’t bother. I need to tie him to Nigeria,” he reiterated in the post.

Charly Boy also used Pidgin English to appeal directly to his followers for help in finding a suitable bride:

“My people, I still dey look for wife for dis my son. E don marry once, divorce. Now, e be like say e dey fear woman. Biko, if you’re from a good home with humble beginnings, DM me.”

Though he did not reveal his son’s name, the post suggests that Charly Boy is serious about helping him settle down, preferably with a Nigerian woman  highlighting his desire to “tie him to Nigeria.”

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NUPENG, Dangote Refinery Reaffirm Commitment To MoU After DSS Meeting

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The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the management of Dangote Refinery have once again agreed to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed earlier in the week over workers’ right to unionise.

This renewed commitment followed a high-level meeting convened by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Friday at its headquarters in Abuja.

The two parties had previously met on Monday, September 8, 2025, following tensions that arose from Dangote Refinery’s initial reluctance to recognise workers’ union rights, a development that prompted NUPENG to threaten strike action.

According to sources familiar with Friday’s meeting, all stakeholders were urged to maintain the status quo and respect the two-week window for implementing the MoU.

NUPENG had suspended its nationwide strike on Tuesday after reaching an agreement with the company to recognise employees’ right to unionise.

The closed-door meeting, held at the DSS office, was attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and other key stakeholders. It came on the heels of a conciliation session earlier convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Despite the initial agreement, NUPENG issued a warning less than 48 hours later, accusing Dangote Refinery of breaching the terms of the deal, particularly regarding its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) members.

In a statement jointly signed by NUPENG President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union said:

“We are by this statement placing all our members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action and calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade 1 Support Our Dream Union Congress, all regional and global working people, and civil society organisations to rise in support and solidarity against this threat of the capitalist world.”

At the core of the dispute is the MoU signed between both parties. The document affirms that workers at Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals have the right to unionise in line with Nigeria’s labour laws.

The agreement outlines the following resolutions:

“That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and the unionisation of employees of Petrochemicals, who are willing to unionise.

“That the process of unionisation shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th – 22nd September, 2025), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union.

“Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical will be victimised.”

The agreement was signed on behalf of the management by:

  • Sayyu Dantata (Managing Director, Dangote Group)
  • O.K. Ukoha (Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority – NMDPRA)
  • Ojimba Jibrin (Dangote Group)

Labour representatives who signed include:

  • Benson Upah (Nigeria Labour Congress – NLC)
  • N.A. Toro (Trade Union Congress – TUC)
  • Williams Akporeha (NUPENG President)
  • Afolabi Olawale (NUPENG General Secretary)

The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment was represented by Amos Falonipe, Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, who signed on behalf of the Minister.

Amid the dispute, fears of a potential fuel scarcity have intensified. Many businesses in Nigeria depend heavily on petroleum products for daily operations, and any disruption in supply could have severe economic consequences.

A shortage of fuel would likely trigger a hike in the prices of goods and services, further worsening the cost of living for millions of Nigerians.

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Police Launch Investigation As Gunmen K!ll Four At Anambra Funeral

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The Anambra State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the killing of four individuals by suspected cultists during a funeral ceremony in Ezi Village, Ogidi, located in Idemili North Local Government Area.

The attack occurred on Thursday when armed men stormed the funeral and opened fire on guests. Four people were confirmed dead, while at least 15 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, attributing the violence to a suspected clash between rival cult groups.

He noted that officers from the Ogidi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, responded swiftly to the distress call and brought the situation under control.

“During the operation, 16 expended cartridges were recovered from the scene as evidence,” Ikenga stated.

“The command has launched a discreet investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the attack and reassured residents of the Command’s determination to eliminate cult-related violence and other criminal acts from the state.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant, maintain calm, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security agency.

This latest incident follows a similar tragedy in July, when 13 people, reportedly of Ebonyi State origin, were killed during a town union meeting in Ogboji community, Orumba South Local Government Area.

Reacting to the July killings, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru expressed shock and demanded a thorough investigation.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, the governor condemned the act and called for calm among affected communities.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, clarified that the attack was not ethnically or regionally motivated.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.

“The government expects the police to carry out a full investigation and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to book,” the statement read.

“We remain committed to protecting all residents of Anambra, regardless of origin.”

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Nepal Uprising Sparks Calls For Protest In Nigeria, Pro-Government Voices Push Back

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Amid the recent youth-led uprising in Nepal that led to the resignation of the country’s prime minister, conversations around replicating such protests have surfaced in Nigeria, drawing both support and criticism.

The Nepal protests, driven by Gen Z anger over corruption and government restrictions on social media, culminated in the torching of government buildings including the Supreme Court and Parliament after a deadly police crackdown that killed at least 19 people.

The uprising ultimately forced the prime minister to step down.

Inspired by these events, some Nigerian youths and activists have taken to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), calling for similar demonstrations against perceived elite misrule in Nigeria.

“In 2020, we had #EndSARS. In 2024, it was #EndBadGovernance. It’s 2025. Will Nigerian youths learn from Nepal?” asked Juwon Sanyaolu, leader of the Take-It-Back Movement.

Other users echoed the sentiment. @Ubtrix wrote: “It’s high time protests go to the right place — Aso Rock Villa. That’s the venue if Nigerians truly want to spark change like Nepal.”

However, these calls have triggered a strong response from government supporters, who caution against violent uprisings and warn of the consequences of instability.

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri argued that comparisons to Nepal were misguided:

“Even the Nepali people are already regretting the destruction. We reject the lawlessness, looting, and chaos mischaracterised as a protest. If you must protest, #StartFromYourStateOfOrigin, not Lagos.”

Comedian and actor Seyi Law also weighed in, warning that revolutions can lead to unintended consequences:

“They’re celebrating Nepal now, but won’t talk about the looting, rape, and destruction that followed. Rebuilding will be a nightmare. Learn from Libya.”

The hashtag #StartFromYourStateOfOrigin began trending on X, amplified by several pro-government accounts. Bushari Adewale, Vice President of Nigeria Youth Advocate, also used the hashtag to caution against targeting Lagos.

Some civil society organisations acknowledged the frustrations behind the calls for protest but urged caution.

Enefa Georgewill, Chair of the Rivers Civil Society Organisations, blamed the Nigerian government for failing to address public concerns post-#EndSARS, noting that alleged police abuses persist under different units.

“The government should learn from Nepal and retrace its steps before the situation worsens.”

Debo Adeniran, President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, however, stressed that the context in Nepal differs from Nigeria.

“Nepal’s revolt was mainly due to economic hardship and systemic failures. While Nigeria is also battling tough conditions, protests must remain peaceful and strategic.”

He noted that some government initiatives especially youth-focused schemes could mitigate social unrest if effectively implemented.

Speaking during a press briefing in Lagos, Reverend Yomi Kasali, General Overseer of the Foundation of Truth Assembly, warned that Nigeria is not immune to the kind of revolution seen in Nepal.

“If this kind of unrest reaches Nigeria, many innocent people could suffer. The perception that all wealthy people are corrupt could lead to dangerous consequences. No country is immune to revolution.”

He urged churches and religious institutions to increase their support for the poor and play a more active role in nation-building.

“We need to bridge the widening gap between the rich and the poor. Churches must be part of the solution.”

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Tinubu’s Mandate For Rivers Has Been Fulfilled – Administrator Ibas

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Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has declared that the mandate given to him by President Bola Tinubu to restore stability and democratic governance in the state has been successfully accomplished.

Ibas made this statement on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt, during the official presentation of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) report on the just-concluded local government elections.

He recalled that President Tinubu, on March 18, 2025, tasked him with restoring order, rebuilding state institutions, and returning Rivers to democratic rule following a period of political tension.

“Mr. President’s mandate to me was clear, to stabilise the state, create an enabling environment for rebuilding its institutions, and return Rivers State to full democratic governance,” Ibas said.

“With the successful conduct of the local government elections and the swearing-in of newly elected chairmen and councillors across the 23 LGAs, I believe that mandate has been decisively achieved.”

The retired naval chief praised RSIEC for conducting what he described as a credible and transparent election, free from voter intimidation or interference.

He assured the public that the government would review the RSIEC report and release a white paper in due course.

Ibas also commended security agencies, government officials, and his administrative team for their collective efforts in ensuring a peaceful electoral process.

Earlier, RSIEC Chairman Dr. Mike Odey presented the commission’s official report, describing the local government elections as a “historic achievement” for both Rivers State and Nigeria.

“This election was planned, executed, and concluded within 30 days, an unprecedented milestone in Nigerian electoral history,” Odey said.

“The report outlines our achievements, the challenges encountered, and key recommendations aimed at improving future elections in the state”.

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Prioritise Rail Infrastructure, Mechanised Farming Over Second Airport – Group Urges Soludo

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The Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) has urged Governor Charles Soludo to shift focus from plans to construct a second airport in Anambra State and instead prioritise investments in rail transportation and mechanised agriculture.

The call comes in response to an announcement made by Martins Nwafor, Managing Director of the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Umueri, who revealed during an expert site tour on Thursday that the state government plans to build a new airport in Ndikelionwu, Orumba North Local Government Area.

In a statement issued in Enugu on Friday, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, Chairman of the NUF, described the proposed airport project as an unnecessary use of resources, especially when the state’s first airport in Anambra East LGA has yet to reach full operational capacity.

Chukwudum questioned the rationale behind constructing a second airport, arguing that the state’s population, largely made up of traders, would benefit more from affordable, efficient intra- and inter-state transport systems, particularly a modern rail network.

“As a pan-Igbo socio-cultural development organisation, NUF believes that Governor Soludo’s plan for another airport is a misallocation of public resources,” he said.

“Orumba South, where the new airport is reportedly planned, does not need one. It is a predominantly agricultural region that would benefit far more from investment in commercial, mechanised farming than in aviation infrastructure.”

The NUF chairman lamented the state government’s neglect of repeated calls to create an enabling environment for agricultural growth and agro-industrialisation.

“Anambra is blessed with vast expanses of fertile land capable of supporting diverse agricultural production,” he noted.

“It is disappointing that past administrations have failed to tap into this potential due to lack of vision and innovation.”

Chukwudum concluded by warning that pursuing the second airport project could result in a white elephant, an expensive but underutilised venture, ultimately serving little benefit to the residents of the state.

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Prof. Nnamchi-Led Ad-Hoc Committee Concludes NELFUND Hearing In South-East

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The Joint Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives, led by Prof. Paul Nnamchi, has concluded its zonal investigative hearing on the disbursement of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in the South-East geopolitical zone.

The committee comprises members from various standing committees, including those on Student Loans, Scholarships and Higher Education Financing, Banking and Other Ancillary Institutions, Anti-Corruption and University Education.

Speaking at the session held at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Prof. Nnamchi, who represents Enugu East/Isi Uzo Federal Constituency, said the committee’s mandate is to investigate alleged irregularities in the distribution of NELFUND loans to institutions and students in the region.

He emphasized that the hearing would also examine the operational processes governing the disbursement, assess compliance with legal and ethical frameworks and ultimately recommend actionable solutions to ensure transparency, equity and effectiveness in the scheme.

“Our task is to interrogate the entire process of loan disbursement, from policy to execution, and ensure that this presidential initiative delivers on its promise of improving access to higher education for all deserving Nigerian students,” Prof. Nnamchi said.

Commending both NELFUND and Nigerian students for embracing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu in the education sector, Prof. Nnamchi disclosed that as of Wednesday, August 6, 2025, a total of ₦86.4 billion had been disbursed to 366,247 students across federal and state-owned tertiary institutions.

The committee’s next stop is the South-South zone, after which a comprehensive report will be compiled and submitted to the House of Representatives upon its resumption in two weeks.

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