A major crisis is unfolding in Nigeria’s health sector, as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government to address key demands that have remained unmet for years. In a communique released after its May General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, NARD outlined multiple unresolved issues, including unpaid salary arrears, poor working conditions, and the neglect of doctors’ welfare.
The group stated that its National Officers’ Committee would continue to engage with all stakeholders over the next four weeks. After this period, the association’s leadership will review the government’s response and decide on the next steps. However, no clear consequences were announced if the government fails to act.
At the core of the protest are unpaid salary balances linked to the revised CONMESS structure, failure to implement minimum wage adjustments, delays in the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and incomplete payment of accoutrement allowances for the 2023/2024 cycle. Resident doctors have also been excluded from specialist allowances, and many continue to work without full employment benefits.
The communique, signed by NARD executives Dr. Osundara Tope, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, and Dr. Amobi Omoha, highlighted the long-term underpayment of doctors, describing it as a violation of the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement. It further condemned the increasing casualisation of doctors by tertiary hospital managements and raised concerns over the lack of sustainable recruitment practices, which have contributed to an alarming manpower shortage.
A particularly concerning case was reported from Kogi State, where 158 doctors have left in just four years. The remaining workforce is under severe pressure, with female doctors suffering miscarriages due to work-related stress and poor conditions. Hospitals are struggling to cope as staffing levels fall to unsafe levels.
Despite the challenges, NARD acknowledged progress in the release of backlog funds for medical residency training between 2022 and 2024 and appreciated efforts by relevant ministries and officials in processing the 2025 batch. However, delays at institutions like Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex, where doctors are owed several months of salaries, were described as unacceptable.
NARD has called on the federal government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and hospital leadership to take prompt action. The association emphasised the need for fair compensation, permanent roles for locum doctors, and prompt action to enhance the working environment in public hospitals.
