RSM Solidarity Statement on NARD and JOHESU strikes

Public Statement by the Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SOLIDARITY WITH STRIKING HEALTH WORKERS: THE STRUGGLE FOR DIGNITY, JUSTICE, AND A WORKING HEALTH SYSTEM!

The Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM) stands in full and unwavering solidarity with the striking Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has gone on strike and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), who have courageously taken industrial action in defense of their rights, their patients, and the future of public healthcare in Nigeria. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has gone on strike to demand that the government address unpaid salaries and poor working conditions and the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) may also commence a strike after the fourteen-day ultimatum to demand the implementation of the adjusted CONHESS.

The strike is not just about salaries and arrears—it is a fight for the soul of our healthcare system. For years, Nigerian health workers have been overworked, underpaid, and denied the basic tools to save lives. At the same time, corrupt politicians and elites fly abroad for medical treatment at the people’s expense. The RSM salutes the courage of all health workers who have said, “Enough is enough!”

We reject the appeal by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare calling on health workers to priorities the welfare of Nigerians as the ongoing industrial action by resident doctors enters twenty days. It is important to say that those in power actually go outside the country for their medical treatment.  These elements have also looted public hospitals, privatized healthcare, and ignored repeated agreements with unions. The continuous underfunding of the health sector and the mass exodus of doctors, nurses, and pharmacists are direct results of capitalist greed and neoliberal neglect.

The RSM declares that:

• The demands of resident doctors and JOHESU are just and legitimate.
• The federal and state governments must immediately meet these demands in full.
• There must be massive investment in public healthcare, not privatization or outsourcing;
• Health workers must be guaranteed living wages, decent working conditions, and democratic control over the management of hospitals.

This strike is part of the broader struggle of the Nigerian working class against a system that prioritizes profit over people. The same exploitative forces that make workers toil without pay are the ones responsible for the collapse of public education, the rising cost of living, and the mass unemployment facing the youth.

The Revolutionary Socialist Movement calls for the trade union centres to extend solidarity with the workers, student movements, and working-class organisations to support the striking health workers. Let this moment become a spark for a nationwide movement to end austerity, privatization, and capitalist exploitation once and for all.

SOLIDARITY FOREVER!

Issued by:

Salako Kayode

Publicity Secretary
Revolutionary Socialist Movement (RSM)