Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations are currently staging a protest at the Unity Fountain in Abuja over a proposed health sector reform bill before the National Assembly.

The demonstrators voiced strong opposition to the legislation, warning that it could significantly restructure the regulatory framework of Nigeria’s health sector.

Concerns over centralised control

According to the protesters, the bill seeks to place all medical professions under the authority of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

They argue that such a move would undermine existing professional councils and disrupt the balance within the healthcare system.

Health workers insist that each profession already operates under its own regulatory body and caution that the proposed reform could weaken institutional independence.

Fear of professional imbalance

The unions further warned that the legislation could relegate non-physician healthcare workers to a subordinate status.

Some protesters described the proposal as an attempt to make other health professionals “second-class” compared to medical doctors.

They stressed that the bill, if passed, could create structural inequality and affect collaboration across the sector.

Planned escalation to National Assembly

The protesters said they plan to proceed to the National Assembly Complex to formally present their grievances and demand a reconsideration of the bill.

The protest follows earlier announcements by the unions to mobilise healthcare professionals nationwide against the proposed Health Sector Executive Bills 2026.

Participants from across the country are expected to join the demonstration, which began at Unity Fountain in Maitama.

What happens next

Stakeholders say the outcome of the protest could shape ongoing legislative deliberations, as lawmakers face mounting pressure to review the bill.

The development highlights growing tensions within Nigeria’s health sector over regulatory control and professional autonomy.

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to immediately conclude a long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as their nationwide strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

The union is also demanding a comprehensive review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing it as outdated and insufficient to meet modern doctors’ needs.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), NARD said:
“Doctors deserve fair treatment and timely remuneration. The government’s delays in finalizing the CBA and reviewing salaries have left doctors struggling with rising living costs and declining morale.”

Strike Disrupts Healthcare Delivery Nationwide

The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals across Nigeria, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres. Medical services have been severely disrupted, impacting patient care nationwide.

NARD’s 19-point demand list includes:

• Payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure
• Disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
• Timely payment of specialist allowances
• Recognition of postgraduate qualifications
• Improved working conditions for doctors

The union says these measures are essential to sustain doctors and maintain a functional healthcare system.

Government Response and Ongoing Concerns

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Health to resolve the strike immediately, noting that the government is taking steps to address doctors’ demands. Despite this, NARD insists delays in finalizing the CBA and reviewing salaries continue to demoralize doctors, many of whom are struggling with rising costs while providing critical medical services.

The post Nigerian Doctors Strike Enters 15th Day, NARD Pushes for Salary Review appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Nigeria has been ranked as the country with the lowest life expectancy globally, according to new data from the United Nations World Population Prospects. The report places the nation’s average lifespan at 54.9 years, with men expected to live up to 54.3 years and women only marginally higher at 54.9.

The figures position Nigeria at the bottom of the 25 countries with the shortest life expectancy, just below Chad (55.2 years) and South Sudan and the Central African Republic (57.7 years). Twenty-two of these countries are located in sub-Saharan Africa, with Lesotho (57.8), Somalia (59.0), and Mali (60.7) also among the lowest ranked.

Health experts attribute the country’s poor performance to persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates, weak healthcare systems, and limited access to essential medical services, especially in regions plagued by insecurity. The World Health Organisation lists cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory illnesses, and mental health disorders among the leading causes of death globally.

The Federal Ministry of Health has pledged reforms aimed at expanding universal health coverage and strengthening public health infrastructure. However, progress has been slow, hindered by funding gaps and implementation challenges.

Reacting to the UN data, medical expert Dr. Raymond Kuti questioned the accuracy of the figures, arguing that Nigeria’s life expectancy may be understated. “The criteria they use are often faulty. They just want us to believe that we have a low lifespan,” he said, while urging for more reliable national data to reflect the country’s true health realities.

International organisations continue to call for greater investment in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation to improve living conditions and raise life expectancy across Africa’s most populous nation.

Source: The Guardian

The post Nigeria Records World’s Lowest Life Expectancy at 54.9 Years- UN appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Sokoto State Government has launched a mandatory two-year rural service program for all medical professionals trained by the state. This initiative targets doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health workers. Its main goal is to strengthen healthcare delivery in rural communities across the state.

According to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, the policy follows a detailed needs assessment. The findings showed a serious imbalance in the distribution of healthcare workers. While urban centres have more than enough professionals, rural areas lack even the basics.

“Too many of our professionals are concentrated in urban areas,” said Dr. Abubakar. “This policy is designed to correct that imbalance.”

To ensure the success of the initiative, the Sokoto State Government will offer several incentives. These include a 10% salary bonus, upgraded health facilities in rural areas, and improved security for posted workers.

Dr. Abubakar emphasized that the program aims to make rural service both rewarding and sustainable. “We’re not just sending people to remote communities; we’re making those places attractive to work in,” he said.

The rural service policy is one component of a broader healthcare reform strategy led by Governor Ahmad Aliyu. One notable achievement under this reform is the alignment of state-employed medical salaries with those of federal workers. This salary adjustment has led to many healthcare professionals withdrawing their resignation letters and choosing to remain in public service.

“These reforms are laying a foundation for a healthier, more equitable future for Sokoto State,” Dr. Abubakar added.

Sokoto’s new rural service scheme reflects a strong commitment to solving the healthcare access gap in underserved areas. With strategic incentives and long-term reforms, the state aims to ensure that every citizen receives quality medical care regardless of location.

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