Politicians, Resident Doctors, and Equity
By Tony Marinho — November 5, 2025
In modern Nigeria, politicians have become the standard by which everything is judged. Political influence permeates every aspect of governance and public service. The ongoing strike by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) must be seen within this landscape of long-standing political excess and inequality.
This crisis is not new, yet it must reach resolution under the current administration through genuine commitment to fair governance and accountability. While hard work deserves fair compensation, wages across essential professions remain disproportionately low compared to those of political officeholders.
“A labourer is worthy of wages, but wages are low. A Nigerian professional is as worthy of wages for hire as a politician, but politicians have taken everything.”
The vast income gap between politicians and professionals is both morally wrong and nationally damaging. The suffering of the country’s medical workforce could have been avoided through adherence to existing agreements and sincere negotiation between the government and healthcare unions.
Until around 1980, medical practitioners received no payment for call-duty, underscoring how systemic neglect has deep historical roots. Resolving these disparities is essential for restoring equity and dignity to public service in Nigeria.
Author’s Summary
Political dominance and neglect of fair labor practices have deepened inequality between Nigerian politicians and medical professionals, threatening the nation’s moral and functional integrity.