BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to begin implementing a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers, following an alarming increase in attacks on doctors and other medical personnel across the country.
The ultimatum was announced at a press briefing held at the end of the Association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano, where NARD also declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over 14 unresolved issues affecting the health sector.
Speaking on behalf of the association, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, expressed deep concern over the growing incidents of assault, 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,” Suleiman stated.
He described the trend as “barbaric, unacceptable, and a dangerous threat” to the survival of Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
As part of its resolutions, NARD demanded the immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on healthcare workers. The association also called on security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen protection for medical personnel and healthcare 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 added.
Demands Payment of Residency Training Fund
Among its key demands, NARD called for the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), noting that eligible resident doctors are yet to receive the funds despite repeated assurances from the authorities.
“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.
The association further demanded 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 across federal and state-owned health institutions.
It also urged the government to correct discrepancies observed in the May 2026 professional allowance payments and settle all outstanding related arrears.
Raises Alarm Over Welfare, Staffing Crisis
NARD expressed concern over worsening welfare conditions for house officers, citing persistent salary delays, unpaid arrears, and challenges surrounding internship placement and onboarding.
The association called for the full implementation of unresolved provisions contained in the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). It also urged authorities to tackle excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors, and what it described as abusive locum appointment practices.
Suleiman further criticized delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment, warning that the development has stalled employment processes and aggravated manpower shortages in the health sector.
“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 issues relating to staff welfare, remuneration, infrastructure, and workforce shortages.
NARD specifically highlighted unresolved disputes at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), including concerns over call meals and alleged victimisation of doctors.
NARD Declares Industrial Dispute
While commending the Governors of Osun and Kano States, Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their interventions in the health sector, the association warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated timeframe could trigger 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,” NARD stated.
Suleiman disclosed that the association’s National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would determine the next course of action.
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