RismadarVoice Reporters
September 27, 2026
The National Association of Resident Doctors has given the Federal Government of Nigeria two weeks to address outstanding welfare and professional demands, warning that failure to resolve the issues could result in industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in resolutions reached at NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting held on Sunday in Calabar, Cross River State.
NARD National President, Dr Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, announced the resolutions following the meeting.
The association expressed concern over what it described as delays in implementing agreements previously reached with the Federal Government, saying several commitments remained unresolved despite repeated engagements.
Among the issues raised were doctors’ remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, manpower shortages and general working conditions.
NARD called for the immediate implementation of existing agreements relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.
The association also demanded the conclusion of the review of remuneration and professional salary structures for doctors, arguing that existing arrangements no longer adequately reflected prevailing economic conditions.
It further called for appropriate compensation for doctors carrying additional workloads because of manpower shortages in hospitals.
According to NARD, the continued shortage of medical personnel has placed increased responsibilities on resident doctors and contributed to burnout among healthcare workers.
The association therefore demanded standardised arrangements for compensating doctors working beyond their normal responsibilities, supported by reliable data on workload.
NARD also raised concerns over attacks on healthcare workers and called for the full implementation of policies and measures designed to protect doctors and other medical personnel from violence.
The association said the continued migration of healthcare professionals from Nigeria had further worsened staffing shortages and increased pressure on those remaining in the health system.
It urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address factors contributing to the migration of medical professionals.
State governments were also urged to prioritise the welfare of doctors and other healthcare workers employed in their institutions and implement relevant welfare policies.
NARD further demanded improved hospital infrastructure, adequate medical equipment and better working conditions to strengthen patient safety and healthcare delivery.
The association called on the National Assembly to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector, saying adequate funding was necessary to address longstanding challenges affecting healthcare services.
It also demanded prompt payment of salaries and outstanding entitlements owed to house officers and called for their inclusion in applicable welfare arrangements.
On the introduction of electronic clocking systems in hospitals, NARD said it was not opposed to the technology but insisted that such systems should be properly implemented and primarily used for accurate data management rather than as punitive measures against medical personnel.
The association said the Federal Government now had two weeks to address the outstanding issues and prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony in the health sector.
NARD maintained that resolving the disputes would improve doctors’ welfare, reduce burnout and strengthen the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
The association also elected new national officers at the meeting, with Idoko emerging as president alongside other members of the National Executive Council.
The new leadership was charged with pursuing the implementation of the resolutions and continuing engagement with relevant authorities over the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors.
