The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to begin implementing a national framework aimed at protecting healthcare workers, citing a growing number of attacks on medical personnel across the country.
The association announced the ultimatum during a press briefing at the conclusion of its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kano. NARD also declared an industrial dispute with the government over 14 unresolved issues affecting doctors and the broader healthcare sector.
Speaking on behalf of the association, NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, expressed concern over what he described as an alarming increase in assaults, harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks against doctors while carrying out their professional duties.
“The OGM observed with grave concern the disturbing rise in cases of assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against doctors across the country while discharging their professional duties.”
He described the situation as “barbaric, unacceptable and a dangerous threat” to the sustainability of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
As part of its resolutions, NARD called for the immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on healthcare workers. The association also urged government authorities and security agencies to strengthen protection for health personnel and medical facilities nationwide.
“Consequently, the OGM gives the Federal Government a 21-day window to commence concrete actions towards the development and implementation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol, as well as the initiation of the necessary legislative process to address this menace,” Suleiman stated.
NARD further demanded the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), noting that eligible resident doctors have yet to receive the fund despite previous assurances.
“The OGM demands the release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund to all eligible resident doctors nationwide within the next 21 days,” Suleiman said.
In addition, the association called for the payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS arrears, settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and the clearance of salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal and state-owned health institutions.
The doctors’ body also requested the correction of discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and the settlement of all associated arrears.
Welfare and Recruitment Challenges
NARD raised concerns about deteriorating welfare conditions for house officers, including delayed salaries, unpaid entitlements, and difficulties surrounding internship placements and onboarding processes.
The association also urged the government to fully implement outstanding provisions contained in the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It called for urgent measures to address excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors, and what it described as exploitative locum employment arrangements.
Suleiman criticised delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment, arguing that the delay has hampered the employment of healthcare workers and worsened staffing shortages across the country.
“The OGM demands the immediate issuance of a letter of compliance by the Chairperson of the FCC within the next 21 days to facilitate employment of healthcare workers and avert further worsening of the brain drain crisis,” he said.
The association also urged federal and state tertiary health institutions to urgently address challenges related to staffing, remuneration, welfare, and infrastructure.
Particular attention was drawn to unresolved issues at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), including concerns over call meals and alleged victimisation of doctors.
Industrial Dispute Declared
While commending Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf for their efforts to improve healthcare delivery in their respective states, NARD warned that failure to address its demands within the stipulated timeframe could lead to further industrial action.
“The Association hereby declares an industrial dispute with the Federal Government on the outlined matters above and cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the 21-day window,” the association stated.
NARD added that its National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would decide the next course of action.
