By Mustapha Salisu
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address a series of outstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting doctors nationwide, warning that failure to act could disrupt industrial harmony in the health sector.
The resolution was reached at the end of NARD’s May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference held between May 31 and June 5, 2026, in Kano State.
The conference, themed “Caring for the Caregivers: Mental Health and Emotional Resilience in Residency Training,” brought together resident doctors, medical experts, government officials, and other stakeholders to discuss challenges facing healthcare workers in Nigeria.
Among its key concerns, the association condemned the rising cases of assault, harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks against doctors while carrying out their duties, describing the trend as a serious threat to Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system. NARD called for the immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators and demanded the development of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol within 21 days.
The doctors also decried the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), delays in the payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears, and the outstanding 19 months’ professional allowance arrears owed to doctors across the country. The association demanded immediate payment of all outstanding entitlements and the resolution of salary and promotion arrears affecting members in various federal and state health institutions.
NARD further expressed concern over welfare challenges facing house officers, including salary delays, unpaid arrears, and difficulties associated with internship placement and onboarding processes. It also criticized delays in recruitment caused by the non-issuance of compliance letters by the Federal Character Commission, warning that the situation is worsening workforce shortages and accelerating brain drain in the health sector.
The association acknowledged progress made by a ministerial committee addressing excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of medical doctors, and abusive locum appointments, while urging authorities to conclude and implement its recommendations without delay.
NARD also commended the governors of Kano and Osun states for efforts aimed at improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening healthcare delivery in their respective states.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the association formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over the unresolved issues and warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands remain unmet after the 21-day deadline.