The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on a series of unresolved welfare issues affecting its members.
In a statement issued Monday after its Ordinary General Meeting, held between 26 and 31 May in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Association expressed “significant disappointment” over the Government’s continued failure to implement critical aspects of its welfare package.
The Association warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to disruption in healthcare service delivery.
While acknowledging recent progress, particularly regarding the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and other support from the Federal Ministry of Health, NARD warned that patience among its members is wearing thin.
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“We urgently call upon the Federal Government to immediately address critical and longstanding welfare demands within a four-week window,” the doctors said in the statement signed by Osundara Tope, President; Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, Secretary-General; and Amobi Omoha, Public and Social Secretary.
Among the key grievances are the non-payment of salary arrears resulting from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), the failure to implement consequential wage adjustments linked to the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage increases, and the continued exclusion of resident doctors from specialist allowances.
The Association also raised concerns about the increasing number of Nigerian doctors emigrating to other African and Western countries in search of better working conditions and pay.
“The gravity of the situation is highlighted by the alarming rate of doctor emigration from Nigeria… largely driven by poor remuneration, unsatisfactory working conditions, and persistent casualisation of medical professionals.
“The continued migration severely undermines Nigeria’s healthcare system, which remains notably underdeveloped and strained in comparison to healthcare systems in many African and Western nations”, the Association said.
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NARD is demanding immediate action on seven specific items: Payment of arrears from the upward revision of CONMESS; Implementation of consequential adjustments from 2019 and 2024 minimum wage reviews; Swift disbursement of the 2025 MRTF; Full payment of the 2023/2024 Accoutrement Allowance; Inclusion in specialist allowance schemes; Regularisation and fair remuneration of locum doctors, and Urgent intervention in welfare issues at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC).
“We emphasise the urgency of these demands, urging the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to proactively engage in resolving these critical issues within the next four weeks.
“Addressing these demands will significantly help retain vital medical talent within Nigeria, strengthen the healthcare system, and ensure the nation’s capacity to deliver effective medical care, thereby improving the health outcomes for all Nigerians”, the statement read.
