The government of Nigeria on Thursday entered into a dialogue with the executives of the national association of resident doctors NARD over the strike by its members.

The doctors yesterday commenced a nationwide strike over claims of unpaid allowances and poor working conditions which includes insufficient provision of PPEs,a lack of beds and drugs in hospitals.

Representing nearly 40 percent of Nigeria’s doctors and numbering over 16,000, the strike by the association is the latest in a string of work stoppages to hit the country as it struggles with COVID-19.

The protest comes amid the death of 17 doctors due to Covid19 infection.

Nigeria’s Minister of Labor and productivity – Dr Chris Ngige, however, Thursday evening pleaded with the workers to call off the strike – promising a thorough review of all the issues raised.