The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to begin implementing a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers amid a growing wave of attacks on medical personnel across the country.
The association issued the ultimatum at the end of its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano and declared an industrial dispute with the government over 14 unresolved demands affecting the health sector.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the increasing incidents of assault, intimidation, harassment and violence against doctors pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s already strained 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.
He described the trend as “barbaric, unacceptable and a dangerous threat” to the survival of the nation’s healthcare system.
As part of its resolutions, NARD called for the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on health workers. It also urged the government and security agencies to strengthen the protection of healthcare 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 said.
Funding and outstanding payments
The association also demanded the immediate release and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which it said remains unpaid despite repeated assurances from the government.
“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.
NARD further called for the payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS arrears, settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and clearance of salary and promotion arrears owed to healthcare workers across federal and state institutions.
It also demanded the correction of discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and the settlement of all related arrears.
Welfare and recruitment concerns
The association expressed concern over deteriorating welfare conditions for house officers, citing salary delays, unpaid arrears, and difficulties with internship placement and onboarding.
It urged the government to fully implement outstanding provisions of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and address issues including excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and what it described as abusive locum appointments.
Suleiman also criticised delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment, arguing that the situation has worsened staffing 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 further called on federal and state tertiary health institutions to urgently tackle challenges related to staff welfare, remuneration, infrastructure and manpower.
It specifically highlighted unresolved issues at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), including concerns over call meals and the alleged victimisation of doctors.
Industrial dispute declared
While commending the governors of Osun and Kano states, Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their interventions in the health sector, NARD warned that failure to address its demands could lead to 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 said.
Suleiman added that NARD’s National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would determine the association’s next course of action.
