THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to commence the implementation of a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers, following what it described as a growing wave of attacks on medical personnel across the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the association also declared an industrial dispute with the government over 14 unresolved demands affecting the health sector, warning that failure to address the issues within the stipulated period could threaten industrial harmony nationwide.
NARD issued the ultimatum during a press briefing at the conclusion of its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kano.
Speaking on behalf of the association, NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, said the increasing incidents of assault, intimidation, harassment and violent attacks against doctors posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s already fragile 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 health system.
As part of the resolutions reached at the meeting, the association demanded the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for attacks on healthcare workers. It also urged the government and security agencies to strengthen protection for medical personnel and health facilities across the country.
“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 stated.
Beyond security concerns, NARD listed several outstanding welfare and financial issues requiring urgent attention from the government.
Among its key demands is the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which the association said remains unpaid despite repeated assurances from relevant 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 also called for 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 healthcare workers across federal and state institutions.
In addition, NARD demanded the correction of discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and the settlement of all related arrears.
The doctors further expressed concern over worsening welfare conditions affecting house officers, citing salary delays, unpaid arrears, difficulties with internship placements and onboarding processes.
The association also pressed for the full implementation of outstanding provisions contained in the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
It urged the government to address excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, the casualisation of doctors and what it described as abusive locum appointments.
Suleiman also criticised delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC), saying the commission’s failure to issue compliance letters had stalled recruitment efforts and further worsened manpower shortages within 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.
NARD further called on federal and state tertiary health institutions to urgently tackle welfare, remuneration, infrastructure and staffing challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
The association specifically highlighted unresolved disputes at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, including issues relating to the provision of call meals and the alleged victimisation of doctors.
While commending Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf for interventions in the health sector, the association maintained that unresolved issues must be addressed urgently to prevent further disruption in healthcare services.
“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 added that the association’s National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders throughout the ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would determine the next course of action based on the government’s response to the demands.