Yemi Obafemi
The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address outstanding welfare and professional demands of its members or risk a nationwide industrial action.
The ultimatum was contained in a communique issued at the end of the association’s 46th Annual General Meeting, AGM, held in Calabar, Cross River State, from September 21 to 26, 2026.
The communique was read by the National President of NARD, Dr. Emmanuel Ogar.
He expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of agreements previously reached between the association and the Federal Government.
According to NARD, the delay in addressing issues bordering on remuneration, career progression, professional allowances, excessive workload, and manpower shortages has become unacceptable and is affecting the morale of resident doctors across the country.
“The association is demanding the immediate implementation of all outstanding agreements relating to improved conditions of service and professional development.”
NARD also called for the conclusion of the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, CONMESS.
“The current salary framework, which has remained unchanged for about 17 years, no longer reflects present economic realities.”
The doctors further demanded the immediate payment of 19 months arrears of Professional Allowance Table, PAT, as well as arrears from the 25 and 35 percent upward review of CONMESS, salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal health institutions, and correction of errors in the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF.
“We are also seeking for an upward review of the MRTF to reflect current training costs and its inclusion in the 2027 Appropriation Act, alongside the speedy conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Medical Association.”
NARD said the continued migration of doctors abroad has worsened manpower shortages in hospitals, leaving resident doctors to shoulder extra workload, which has led to burnout.
The association also decried attacks on health workers in hospitals .
“We are calling for full implementation of anti-assault policies to protect medical personnel, improved hospital infrastructure and equipment, prompt payment of entitlements owed to house officers, and increased funding for the health sector.”
The doctors warned that failure by the Federal Government to act within the 14-day window, which takes effect from October 1, 2026, would lead to a breakdown of industrial harmony and disrupt healthcare services nationwide.
