Resident doctors hand FG ultimatum over welfare demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government 30 days to meet a series of unresolved welfare and policy demands or face possible industrial action.

The warning followed resolutions reached at the association’s 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference, held in Katsina State from September 21 to 26. The communiqué was signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

Among the key issues raised are the settlement of accumulated promotion arrears, the release of corrected professional allowance tables, reinstatement of five dismissed doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, and a long-awaited review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

“The AGM demands that the Federal Government urgently pay all accumulated promotion arrears owed to our members across all federal institutions within 30 days. The AGM gives the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Management of FTH Lokoja 30 days to reinstate the five sacked medical doctors,” the communiqué stated.

NARD also directed its members to stop undertaking call duty shifts that extend beyond 24 consecutive hours, effective October 1, citing health and safety risks. “The AGM calls on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to develop and implement clear, healthy call duty working hours for doctors in line with international best practices,” it added.

The association further expressed concern over brain drain, casualisation of medical staff, poor hospital infrastructure, and the exclusion of house officers from the civil service scheme. It urged the government to adopt a one-for-one replacement policy to address manpower shortages.

Dr. Suleiman, newly elected as NARD president to succeed Dr. Tope Osundara, said the ultimatum was not issued lightly. “We cannot continue to watch our members work under unsafe conditions while their welfare is neglected. If these issues are not resolved within 30 days, we will have no choice but to take the necessary steps to defend our members and the healthcare system,” he said.

NARD also rejected the creation of consultant cadres for non-medical doctors, describing it as a “dangerous trend,” and called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to restore full recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.

The doctors demanded inclusion of house officers in the civil service scheme, prompt payment of allowances, and enforcement of special pension benefits previously agreed with the government.

“We are committed to quality healthcare delivery in Nigeria. But the government must play its part by honouring agreements, improving welfare, and creating an environment that will discourage the mass exodus of doctors,” Dr. Suleiman said.

The AGM also resolved to push for stronger health sector funding and medical training in the 2026 national budget.