Doctors Threaten Action Against Government Over Unpaid Funds

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a dispute with the federal government. They gave a 21-day ultimatum to address unresolved issues about doctors' welfare, pay, and training. This could lead to major disruptions in public healthcare services if not handled.

The announcement came from a report released after the association's meeting and scientific conference in Kano from May 31 to June 5.

NARD is asking for the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). They also want the payment of outstanding salary arrears and allowances. There are also demands to fix welfare issues affecting doctors and to speed up the implementation of past agreements with the government.

In the communiqué, NARD stated, "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."

Unpaid Residency Fund and Arrears

One major demand is the prompt release of the 2026 MRTF. This fund is essential to support the training of resident doctors in accredited health institutions. NARD is also demanding the payment of unpaid arrears due to an increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and 19 months of professional allowance arrears.

They want all outstanding salary and promotion arrears paid in both federal and state health institutions. They also want immediate corrections of discrepancies in professional allowances from the May 2026 salary cycle.

NARD raised issues about the welfare of house officers, who are facing delayed salaries, unpaid arrears, and problems with internship placements.

Growing Attacks on Doctors

NARD is also worried about increasing assaults and harassment of doctors while they do their jobs. They called this trend “barbaric and unacceptable.” They believe it threatens the already fragile healthcare system in Nigeria.

The association wants the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible for these attacks. They urged the federal government, security agencies, and hospital managements to improve safety for healthcare workers and health facilities.

NARD has given the government a 21-day ultimatum to start working on a national plan to prevent and respond to assaults on healthcare workers. They also want legislative measures to tackle this issue.

Recruitment Delays and Workload Issues

The association criticized delays from the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters. They say this has slowed down recruitment in federal health institutions and worsened shortages of healthcare workers.

NARD warned that this situation is causing brain drain in the health sector. They also called for quick negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). They want solutions for excessive workloads, long call duties, casualization of doctors, and locum appointments.

Grievances at Hospitals

The communiqué highlighted ongoing welfare issues in several institutions, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife.

They accused OAUTHC management of constantly intimidating resident doctors. They also claimed LUTH has not provided call meals for doctors despite many requests. There are welfare concerns in other places too, like the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) hospitals and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna, where doctors face staffing shortages and bad working conditions.

Looking Ahead

NARD said its National Officers’ Committee will talk to relevant stakeholders within the 21-day period. After that, the National Executive Council (NEC) will review what has been done and decide on the next steps.

The association warned that if its demands are not met in time, it could lead to further actions. They also praised the governors of Kano and Osun states, Abba Yusuf and Ademola Adeleke, for their efforts to improve doctors’ welfare and healthcare delivery in their states.

Ongoing Disputes

This latest ultimatum adds to a long list of disputes between resident doctors and the federal government over pay, welfare, and training funds. Over the years, NARD has often threatened or gone on strikes over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and delays in releasing the MRTF.

Many issues raised in the latest communiqué, including unpaid professional allowance arrears and salary obligations, have been recurring problems between the association and the government.