The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, delayed training funds, and worsening welfare concerns of its members. It warned that it would not be able to guarantee industrial harmony if the issues remain unresolved.
In a communique issued after its ordinary general meeting held in Kano and signed by senior officials, NARD demanded the release and payment of the 2026 medical residency training fund to all eligible resident doctors nationwide within the next 21 days. It also questioned the unpaid salary and promotion arrears in several federal and state health institutions, as well as discrepancies in professional allowances reflected in members’ May 2026 salaries.
The association also accused Motunrayo Omidiran, executive chairman of the Federal Character Commission, of delaying the issuance of letters of compliance to federal health institutions, noting that the delay has hampered recruitment efforts, manpower shortages, and brain drain in the sector. It expressed worries about increasing assaults, harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks against doctors while on duty, demanding the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of perpetrators.
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The association called for the establishment of a national healthcare workers assault prevention and response protocol within 21 days by the federal government and security agencies, and demanded that the federal government commence concrete actions towards the development and implementation of such a protocol. NARD said the federal government had failed to fulfil several commitments to doctors despite repeated assurances and engagements.
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