Nigeria’s healthcare sector may be heading for another round of industrial unrest as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action to curb the growing wave of attacks on healthcare workers and address a backlog of unresolved welfare and remuneration issues.
The association also formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, warning that failure to act on its 14-point demand within the stipulated period could trigger further action capable of disrupting healthcare services nationwide.
The resolutions were announced at the end of NARD’s Ordinary General Meeting held in Kano, where delegates from across the country expressed concern over what they described as the worsening conditions facing doctors and other health professionals.
Addressing journalists, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the increasing cases of assault, intimidation, harassment and violent attacks against doctors while performing their duties had become a major threat to the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“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 said.
Describing the trend as “barbaric, unacceptable and dangerous,” the association demanded the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on healthcare workers, while calling for stronger security measures to protect medical personnel and health facilities nationwide.
As part of its resolutions, NARD gave the Federal Government a 21-day deadline to commence the development and implementation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol and begin the legislative process needed to institutionalise protection for healthcare workers.
Beyond security concerns, the doctors also demanded the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which they said remains outstanding despite repeated assurances from government officials.
The association further called for the settlement of unpaid 25/35 per cent CONMESS arrears, 19 months of outstanding professional allowance arrears, salary shortfalls, promotion arrears and other outstanding entitlements owed to doctors across federal and state health institutions.
NARD also urged the government to correct discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and ensure full payment of all related arrears.
The association raised fresh concerns over deteriorating welfare conditions for house officers, citing persistent salary delays, unpaid entitlements, internship placement challenges and difficulties associated with onboarding newly recruited medical personnel.
According to the doctors, unresolved welfare issues, excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of medical practice and abusive locum appointments continue to place enormous pressure on healthcare workers and contribute to the migration of professionals abroad.
Suleiman also criticised delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment into health institutions, warning that the situation is worsening manpower shortages and accelerating the brain drain crisis in the 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 stated.
The association urged both federal and state tertiary health institutions to urgently address challenges relating to staffing, remuneration, infrastructure and welfare.
It specifically cited 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.
While commending the Governors of Osun and Kano states, Senator Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf, respectively, for interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery, NARD maintained that the broader issues affecting the sector require urgent national attention.
The association warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony if the government fails to respond within the 21-day window.
“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 union declared.
NARD said its National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the ultimatum period before its National Executive Council meets to determine the next course of action.
The latest warning from resident doctors comes amid growing concerns over manpower shortages, rising emigration of medical professionals and mounting pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system, raising fears that any industrial action could further strain already overstretched health facilities across the country.
