The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its outstanding demands or face a nationwide strike. The ultimatum was announced by Dr Emmanuel Ogar, the newly elected President of NARD, at the end of the association's 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar, Cross River State. The meeting concluded at the weekend, and the ultimatum is set to expire on October 12, 2026.
NARD said the Federal Government had failed to implement several agreements reached with the association on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, and improved conditions of service. The association expressed concern that the prolonged non-implementation of the agreements had negatively affected the welfare and morale of resident doctors across the country. Despite repeated assurances and engagements between government representatives and its leadership, the delays had persisted.
The current salary structure for resident doctors no longer reflects prevailing economic realities, and they are being subjected to excessive workloads due to severe manpower shortages in hospitals. The situation has been compounded by the continued migration of doctors and other health professionals abroad. According to NARD, the loss of medical personnel has left doctors remaining in the country with additional responsibilities and heavier workloads.
Resident doctors are demanding the immediate implementation of all outstanding agreements between the government and the association. They also want the prompt payment of salaries and other entitlements owed to house officers, as well as the adoption of a standardized template for compensating doctors for excess workload. The association further called for the full enforcement of anti-assault policies to protect health workers from attacks in the course of their duties.
NARD also demanded improved hospital infrastructure and equipment, alongside increased budgetary allocation to the health sector. The association warned that failure by the Federal Government to address the issues within the 14-day period would lead to a breakdown of industrial harmony and could disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide. The ultimatum has raised concerns about the potential impact on the country's healthcare system.
The National Association of Resident Doctors has been advocating for improved working conditions and welfare for its members. The association's demands are aimed at addressing the challenges faced by resident doctors, including poor remuneration, inadequate infrastructure, and excessive workloads. The outcome of the ultimatum will likely have significant implications for the healthcare sector in Nigeria.
The Federal Government has yet to respond to the ultimatum issued by NARD. The government will need to address the association's demands to avoid a nationwide strike by resident doctors. The strike could have far-reaching consequences for the country's healthcare system, which is already facing significant challenges.
Key points
- - Resident doctors in Nigeria have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid agreements and poor working conditions. - The ultimatum is set to expire on October 12, 2026, and may lead to a nationwide strike if the demands are not met. - The association is demanding improved working conditions, welfare, and infrastructure for its members.
