NARD gives FG 14-day ultimatum, warns of possible strike

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve long-standing welfare and professional grievances or risk industrial action that could disrupt healthcare services nationwide.

The warning formed part of resolutions adopted at the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, which ended in Calabar, Cross River State. Newly elected National President Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko (also referred to in some reports as Dr Emmanuel Ogar) presented the communiqué.

Resident doctors expressed deep frustration over what they described as unacceptable delays in implementing previous agreements with the Federal Government. They said repeated meetings and assurances had produced little tangible progress on core issues affecting their conditions of service.

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Key demands include the immediate implementation of existing agreements on improved remuneration, career progression and professional development; a comprehensive review of the current salary and professional allowance structures to reflect prevailing economic realities; and standardised compensation for excess workload caused by severe manpower shortages in public hospitals.

The association also called for full payment of outstanding entitlements, including professional allowance arrears and any remaining obligations linked to earlier upward reviews of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). It urged the prompt settlement of salaries and other benefits owed to house officers and their inclusion in relevant welfare schemes.

NARD raised serious concern over persistent attacks on health workers and demanded the full enforcement of anti-assault policies and protective measures in hospitals. It linked the worsening brain drain of doctors and other medical professionals to poor working conditions, noting that the exodus has intensified the burden on those who remain and compromised patient care.

The doctors further appealed to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to tackle the root causes of migration, while urging state governments to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other health workers in their institutions.

They demanded better infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and improved working environments to enhance patient safety and service delivery.

On the broader funding of the health sector, NARD called on the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations, arguing that adequate financing remains essential to addressing systemic challenges. The association stated it was not opposed to the introduction of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, provided such systems are properly implemented for accurate data management rather than as tools for punishment.

NARD observed that several commitments made by the Federal Government in earlier negotiations remain unfulfilled. It therefore urged the authorities to use the two-week window to address the outstanding issues and prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony.

The association elected a new National Executive Council, with Dr Idoko emerging as president. The leadership was charged with pursuing the resolutions and sustaining constructive engagement with government to secure better conditions of service for resident doctors.

Resolving the disputes, NARD said, would reduce burnout among doctors, improve their welfare and ultimately strengthen the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.