Jonathan vows to resolve labour disputes

 

 

 

President Goodluck Jonathan on Tuesday promised to take measures that will permanently prevent labour disputes and strike actions in health and education sectors.

A statement issued by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said the President made the promise while receiving a delegation from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) led by its President, Dr. Osahon Enabulele.

President Jonathan said that he will do all within his powers to positively resolve all issues that currently lead to labour disputes and strikes in both sectors because of the great importance his administration attaches to the medical and educational sectors.

He said: “I believe that we must manage both sectors in such a way that nobody engaged in them will think of going on strike again.

“We will continue to proactively evolve measures that will help us to permanently overcome the problems that lead to strikes by health and education professionals.”

To facilitate rapid establishment of more centres of medical excellence in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan also pledged that the Federal Government will fully explore the option of creating a special intervention fund for that purpose.

According to him, the recommendation of a special fund that will give low interest loans for the establishment of state-of-the-art medical facilities is a creative idea that will receive appropriate consideration from the government.

He said: “We are committed to working with professionals and the private sector to establish better medical facilities in the country and reduce the number of Nigerians who have to go abroad annually for medical reasons.”

Jonathan also assured Dr. Enabulele and other members of the NMA delegation that his administration will take all necessary action to ensure that the right conditions are created for Nigerian medical professionals to stay at home and avail Nigerians of their acknowledged skills and expertise instead of migrating to other countries.