The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the federal government and issued a 21-day ultimatum over unresolved welfare, remuneration and training-related issues affecting doctors across the country.
The association warned that failure to address its demands within the stipulated period could jeopardise industrial harmony in the health sector and potentially disrupt healthcare services in public hospitals. The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s May Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference, held in Kano between May 31 and June 5.
At the centre of the dispute are concerns over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, delayed training funds, staffing shortages and deteriorating working conditions faced by doctors in federal and state-owned health facilities.
“The Association hereby declares an industrial dispute with the federal government of Nigeria on the outlined matters above, and the association cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the 21-day window period given to address all the demands,” the communiqué stated.
Among NARD’s key demands is the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a statutory fund designed to support the professional training and development of resident doctors in accredited health institutions. The association also called for the payment of outstanding arrears resulting from the 25 and 35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). In addition, NARD demanded the payment of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears owed to doctors nationwide.
The doctors’ body further urged the government to clear outstanding salary and promotion arrears in federal and state health institutions and to correct discrepancies in professional allowances paid during the May 2026 salary cycle. House officers were also identified as being among the most affected by welfare challenges. According to the association, many young doctors continue to face delayed salary payments, unpaid arrears and difficulties with internship placements and onboarding processes.
Beyond remuneration issues, NARD expressed concern over what it described as an increasing pattern of assaults, harassment and intimidation of doctors while carrying out their professional duties. The association described the trend as “barbaric and unacceptable” and warned that continued attacks on healthcare workers could worsen the challenges already facing Nigeria’s healthcare system.
It called on the federal government, security agencies and hospital managements to investigate incidents of violence against doctors and ensure perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. NARD also gave the government a 21-day deadline to begin developing a national protocol for preventing and responding to attacks on healthcare workers, including legislative measures aimed at protecting medical personnel.
The association further raised concerns about workforce shortages across health institutions. According to NARD, delays in the issuance of compliance letters by the Federal Character Commission have slowed recruitment into federal health institutions and compounded existing staffing gaps. It warned that prolonged recruitment delays could further worsen the brain drain affecting the health sector, where many doctors continue to seek employment opportunities abroad.
The association also called for the speedy conclusion of negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and urged the implementation of recommendations aimed at addressing excessive workloads, prolonged call duties, casualisation of doctors and locum appointments.
NARD highlighted unresolved welfare disputes in several healthcare institutions, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. The association accused OAUTHC’s management of persistent intimidation of resident doctors and alleged that LUTH had continued to withhold the provision of call meals despite repeated requests from medical personnel. It also cited staffing shortages and poor working conditions in facilities under the Federal Capital Territory Administration and at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna.
The association said its National Officers’ Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the 21-day ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would assess developments and determine the next course of action. While expressing concern over unresolved issues, NARD commended the governors of Kano and Osun states, Abba Yusuf and Ademola Adeleke, for efforts aimed at improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening healthcare delivery in their respective states.
The latest ultimatum adds to growing concerns about employee welfare and workforce retention in Nigeria’s health sector, where labour unions have repeatedly raised issues relating to compensation, workplace safety, training opportunities and staffing shortages.
