News
Doctors Protest for Abducted Colleague, Demand Immediate Release or Face Strike
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) has joined the growing number of medical professionals demanding the release of their abducted colleague, Dr Ganiyat Popoola.
Dr Popoola, an ophthalmologist with the National Eye Center in Kaduna, was kidnapped on December 27, 2023, along with her husband and nephew. Although her husband was freed in March, Dr. Popoola remains in captivity.
During a peaceful protest dubbed the “Freedom Walk,” ARD members made their voices heard. Dr Adeyemi Famous, speaking on behalf of the association, urged both the federal government and the Kaduna State government, alongside security agencies, to intensify their efforts to secure the release of Dr Popoola and other medical professionals held captive across the country.
Dr Adeyemi stressed that the situation has reached a critical point, warning that if Dr Popoola is not released unharmed, the association is prepared to take more drastic action, including an industrial strike.
He pointed out that this is not an isolated incident, as a growing number of doctors—estimated between 10 to 15—have been abducted in recent times.
“Doctors are becoming an endangered species in Nigeria,” he noted, highlighting the alarming threat faced by healthcare professionals in the country.
The doctor-to-patient ratio in Nigeria is already stretched thin, with just one doctor for every 10,000 patients, a stark contrast to the ideal ratio of one doctor per 600 patients.
This shortage of healthcare workers places immense pressure on the few doctors available, leading to burnout.
According to Dr Adeyemi, this unsustainable work environment is a major factor driving doctors to leave Nigeria for better opportunities abroad, along with poor salaries, inadequate hospital facilities, and worsening insecurity.
The safety of medical professionals, he emphasized, is paramount not only for their well-being but for the overall quality of healthcare in Nigeria.
“We cannot afford to lose more doctors, whether to abductions or other forms of violence,” he said.
He reiterated the call for Dr Popoola’s immediate release, urging the Nigerian government and its security agencies to take swift and decisive action.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have issued a two-week ultimatum for Dr Popoola’s release, which is set to expire at the end of this week.
Should the government fail to act, the associations are prepared to embark on an indefinite strike, a decision they would rather avoid but feel compelled to make if necessary.
In response to the protest, the Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Professor Kayode Olabanji, commended the doctors for their peaceful approach.
He expressed deep concern over the rising rates of kidnapping and other security challenges plaguing the country.
Professor Olabanji called on the government to address the root causes of insecurity, not just for the safety of medical professionals but for the benefit of the entire population.
The ongoing abductions of doctors and other healthcare workers have not only heightened concerns within the medical community but also underscored the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s healthcare and security systems.
Many fear that if the trend continues, it could lead to a further exodus of skilled professionals, leaving the country’s already fragile healthcare system in even greater jeopardy.
President Bola Tinubu has claimed that his government’s economic reforms are beginning to bear fruit. Speaking at the APC National Summit held at the State House banquet hall in Abuja on Thursday, Tinubu defended his administration’s decisions and insisted that the ruling party has not failed Nigerians. “Two years ago, we set out on a journey powered by hope and a strong belief in this country. We made a promise to tackle Nigeria’s problems directly and rebuild the trust of our people,” he said.
The president expressed confidence that the economic policies introduced since May 2023 are taking effect. He noted that the removal of fuel subsidies was a tough but necessary decision meant to steer the country toward a better future. “We took the bold step to end the subsidy, and we did it for the good of the country. Good things don’t come easy,” Tinubu added.
Since taking office, his administration has introduced a wave of economic reforms, including floating the naira and slashing fuel subsidies—moves which both the government and international bodies say were essential to fix Nigeria’s struggling economy.
However, these changes have been deeply felt by everyday Nigerians, many of whom are battling an intense cost-of-living crisis. With inflation soaring and economic growth sluggish, the World Bank estimates that nearly half of Nigeria’s population lived in poverty in 2024. Similarly, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently pointed out that while the reforms may be important in the long run, they are yet to make a real difference in the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Progressive Governors’ Forum has pledged full support to ensure President Bola Tinubu secures a second term in office. Speaking at the APC National Summit in Abuja, the forum’s chairman and Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, urged his fellow governors to take firm control of politics in their states and work to secure victories for the party across all levels.
Uzodimma emphasized that a united and active effort by APC governors will pave the way for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. He also acknowledged the public backing Tinubu has received from APC governors in the North, calling it a strong step toward solidifying the president’s position as the party’s next flag bearer.
According to him, APC governors must promote federal government policies and dominate their political spaces to ensure success in the next general elections. Uzodimma closed his remarks by formally calling on the summit to adopt the position of the Progressive Governors’ Forum in endorsing Tinubu for a second term and committing to deliver that mandate.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has once again slashed the pump price of petrol across Nigeria, offering some relief to consumers. The new price now falls between N875 and N905 per litre, reflecting a N15 drop. This update was shared on the refinery’s official social media page on Thursday.
According to Dangote, the price cut affects major fuel distributors working with the refinery, including MRS, Ardova, Heyden, Optima Energy, Techno Oil, and Hyde Energy. With this change, Lagos residents will now buy petrol at N875 per litre. Those in the South-South and South-East regions will pay N905, while the South-West sees a new rate of N885.
In the North-West and central parts of the country, it’s N895, and the North-East will also pay N905. Dangote added that their petrol and diesel are not only high-quality but also designed to support engine efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
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