The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government, warning that industrial harmony in the health sector cannot be guaranteed if longstanding welfare and payment issues affecting doctors remain unresolved.
The warning was contained in a communiqué released after the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano. The communiqué was signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.
NARD said the federal government had repeatedly failed to fulfil commitments made to doctors despite several engagements and assurances.
“The association hereby declares an industrial dispute with the federal government of Nigeria on the outlined matters above and cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the 21-day window period given to address all the demands,” the communiqué stated.
Among its key demands, NARD called for the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors nationwide within the next 21 days.
The association also raised concerns over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and discrepancies in professional allowances reflected in members’ May 2026 salaries across federal and state health institutions.
House officers’ welfare was another major issue highlighted. NARD cited persistent salary delays, unpaid arrears, internship placement challenges and onboarding difficulties that continue to affect young doctors.
The association further accused Motunrayo Omidiran, Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), of delaying the issuance of compliance letters to federal health institutions. According to NARD, the delays have worsened manpower shortages and contributed to the growing brain drain in the health sector.
The doctors also expressed concern over the rising cases of assault, harassment, intimidation and attacks on doctors while carrying out their duties. It demanded the arrest, investigation and prosecution of those responsible for such incidents.
As part of its demands, the association urged the federal government and security agencies to develop and implement a national healthcare workers’ assault prevention and response protocol within the 21-day period.
The doctors’ body said it expects concrete action from the government before the deadline expires, warning that failure to address the issues could trigger industrial unrest across the country’s health sector.
