NARD further directed its National Officers’ Committee to commence preparations for industrial action should the Federal Government fail to meet its demands within the four-week period
KaNo —
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a fresh industrial dispute with the Federal Government, issuing a four-week ultimatum for the resolution of its longstanding demands and warning of a potential nationwide strike if its concerns remain unaddressed.
The decision was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, following the expiration of an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued to the government.
In a communiqué released on Sunday and jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association said it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the newly stipulated deadline.
NARD further directed its National Officers’ Committee to commence preparations for industrial action should the Federal Government fail to meet its demands within the four-week period.
The association accused the government and some health institutions of reneging on commitments related to doctors’ welfare, particularly in the areas of salary payments and allowances.
Among the key issues highlighted by the association is the non-release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, despite repeated assurances from the government.
NARD described the delay as unacceptable, noting that the fund is critical for the training and professional development of resident doctors across the country.
The association also raised concerns over persistent delays in the payment of salaries for house officers and other outstanding entitlements in several health facilities nationwide.
It also lamented the continued non-payment of arrears stemming from the 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, as well as 19 months of unpaid Professional Allowance arrears.
“NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments,” the communiqué added
It warned that it would resist any form of intimidation or harassment against its members, calling on relevant authorities to intervene promptly.
The association also condemned attempts by the management of some private tertiary health institutions to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors, despite an existing government circular abolishing the practice.
According to NARD, such actions undermine efforts to improve the welfare and training conditions of doctors.
Similarly, NARD criticised the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for its continued refusal to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty.
It described the development as an anti-welfare practice and warned that any hospital management that fails to meet this obligation would be held accountable for any industrial unrest arising from the situation.
While highlighting its grievances, the association acknowledged some positive developments within the sector.
It commended ongoing efforts by the government to address assaults on healthcare workers, noting that ministerial committees set up to investigate workplace violence, excessive workload, prolonged call hours, casualisation of doctors, and abusive locum appointments were nearing the completion of their reports.
NARD also praised some state governments and private tertiary health institutions for implementing welfare measures, including the payment of Professional Allowance arrears, Specialist Allowance, salary adjustments under the revised CONMESS structure, and the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Despite these improvements, the association maintained that the overall implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government has been slow and unsatisfactory.
It reiterated its demands, which include the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of all outstanding salary and promotion arrears, full implementation of the revised CONMESS salary structure, improved protection for healthcare workers against assaults, and accelerated implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The association also called for the prompt approval and implementation of recommendations by ministerial committees investigating excessive workload and poor working conditions for doctors, stressing that these issues are critical to improving healthcare delivery in the country.
NARD Expresses Concerns Over Assault Of Health Workers.
Beyond welfare concerns, the association raised serious alarm over the rising cases of assaults on healthcare workers across Nigeria.
Data provided by NARD revealed that no fewer than 21 cases of assaults were reported nationwide within the last year, with about 30 resident doctors directly affected.
The statistics further showed that fewer than five of the reported cases were charged in court, while only one assailant has been successfully convicted.
According to the association, the figures indicate that, on average, a healthcare worker is assaulted every two weeks in Nigeria.
“Available statistics before the association reveal that within the last year alone, no fewer than 21 cases of assaults on healthcare workers were reported across the country, with about 30 resident doctors directly affected,” the communiqué noted.
“Shockingly, fewer than five cases were charged to court, while only one assailant has been convicted to date. What this simply means is that in Nigeria today, approximately every two weeks, another case of assault against a healthcare worker is recorded.”
The association warned that hospitals, which are meant to serve as safe havens for healing and lifesaving interventions, are increasingly becoming unsafe environments where doctors and other health workers face threats, physical violence, emotional trauma, intimidation, harassment, and even kidnapping.
NARD described the trend as a serious threat not only to healthcare workers but also to the country’s healthcare delivery system and national health security.
It cautioned that the continued insecurity in hospitals could exacerbate the ongoing brain drain crisis in the health sector by discouraging healthcare professionals from remaining in Nigeria.
