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

It also demanded a review of the outdated Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the union said: “Dear Nigerians, Doctors Deserve a Fair Deal! For long we’ve waited for a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a simple, written promise that ensures fairness, clear work terms, and proper pay. But the government keeps delaying, while doctors face rising costs and crumbling morale.

“We demand the immediate conclusion of the CBA and review of the outdated CONMESS salary structure.”

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The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals nationwide, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres, disrupting medical services across the country.

NARD said the union’s 19-point demand list is reasonable and necessary for the welfare of doctors and patients.

The list includes the payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure, disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, prompt payment of specialist allowances, recognition of postgraduate qualifications, and improved working conditions.

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

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President Bola Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Health to immediately resolve the strike, noting that the government is addressing the doctors’ demands.

Despite the directive, NARD said delays in finalising the CBA and reviewing salaries have continued to demoralise doctors, many of whom face rising living costs while providing critical medical services.

The Peoples Democratic Party at its ongoing 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday expelled high-profile members including Federal Capital Minister, Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), former Governor Ayo Fayose, Austin Nwachukwu, and several others for anti-party activities.

The action was “promptly ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates,” highlighting the party’s “commitment to restoring unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections.”

This is according to the official statement released by @OfficialPDPNig across its social media handles, which read, “In a landmark move to restore unity, discipline, and focus ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at its ongoing 2025 National Convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, has expelled high-profile members Nyesom Wike, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Kamaldeen Ajibade (SAN), former Governor Ayo Fayose, Austin Nwachukwu, and several others.”

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The statement added: “The decision, which was promptly ratified by an overwhelming majority of delegates, underscores the party’s commitment to eradicating internal divisions and anti-party conduct that have plagued its progress.”

Additional reports revealed that party chieftain, Chief Olabode George, who was also a former national vice-chairman of the party (south), moved the motion for the expulsion, while Samaila Buga, chairman of the PDP in Bauchi, seconded his motion.

Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, put it to a voice vote.

More details later…

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has reiterated that no security ooerative has the right to search people’s phones on the road.

CP Jimoh said this on Thursday during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Police–Youth Dialogue Programme organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development at Alausa, Ikeja, where he also told Lagosians that their phones are their personal belongings.

“Some people put me on TikTok where I said it that no policeman should search your phone on the road, I still stand by that order,” he said.

Jimoh said that the Lagos State Police Command is committed to strengthening its relationship with young people through continuous dialogue, community partnerships, and empowerment initiatives.

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Speaking further at the event, with the theme, “The Power of Partnership: Cultural Trust and Understanding Between Youth and Law Enforcement Agencies,” which brought together police officers, youth representatives, civil society groups, and government officials, the CP described the youth as the “mirror of the society”.

The police commissioner talked about the critical role of young people in shaping policies and holding institutions accountable.

“The youth population is vibrant, innovative, and forward-thinking; they represent the energy that drives our economy and defines our culture,” Jimoh said.

“This programme has erased so many longstanding gaps and misunderstandings between the police and young people in the state.”

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According to him, there are several initiatives aimed at improving police–youth relations, including the appointment of information officers across all area commands and the expansion of gender units to enhance the protection of women and children.

Jimoh also announced the launch of a new initiative, “Bail is Free,” with the CP making a promise that bail services would now be provided free of charge in all the police divisions across Lagos State.

“As part of the initiative, I have distributed complimentary cards bearing my signature, which guarantee free bail services across all police divisions in the state,” he said.

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CP Jimoh also called on the youth to familiarise themselves with the law, noting that knowledge of their rights and responsibilities would help reduce friction with law enforcement.

“Partnership is not just a slogan; it is an active process of dialogue, respect, and adaptability. We listen more, judge less, and work together for a common goal,” he stated.

Jimoh added that the dialogue programme was a reflection of Lagos State’s vision of proactive community policing and youth empowerment, aimed at fostering trust, accountability, and security in Nigeria’s commercial hub.