Resident Doctors Urge FG To Meet 15 Demands to Avert Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to complete the reinstatement of dismissed resident doctors in Lokoja and to ensure that outstanding professional allowances are captured and implemented in the January budget, among other demands.

In an interview, NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman expressed optimism that all 15 demands of the association would be addressed this month. He said, “We hope the processes to reinstate our members in Lokoja are finalised. We also expect professional allowances to be captured in the budget and implemented this January. Payment of these allowances is critical.”

Suleiman emphasised that the association’s 15 demands are all essential for the welfare of resident doctors and the broader healthcare system, noting, “We don’t have just one demand. All 15 items on the table are important.”

The association had previously postponed a planned strike scheduled for January 12 following engagements with government agencies. NARD had also staged an indefinite strike from November 1 to November 29, 2025, to press home its demands.

A communiqué from NARD’s Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, detailed progress on the 15 demands. Regarding the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja situation, a reconciliation committee involving Chief Medical Directors, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and NARD was established to ensure the smooth return of all members and resolve tensions between resident doctors and medical consultants at the facility.

On arrears under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, verified lists have been forwarded to IPPIS, and the Ministry of Labour has written to the Ministry of Finance to ensure prompt payment. Suleiman added, “NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure these payments are made.”

Progress was also reported on outstanding accoutrement allowances, promotion and salary arrears, with relevant ministries engaging to ensure clear and expedited payment plans.

Regarding entry-level placements, the Ministry of Health will clarify that CONMESS 3 is the recognised starting grade. Committees have also been established to address locum practice, work hour regulation, house officers’ welfare, membership recategorisation, and implementation of professional allowances, including arrears.

The association confirmed that the Ministry of Health has written to the Accountant-General’s Office for full implementation of the professional allowance beginning with January salaries, with 18 months of arrears expected to be included in the 2026 budget.

Following commitments from key stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Labour, Finance, the Office of the Head of Civil Service, IPPIS, and the Vice President, the NARD National Executive Council resolved to suspend the resumption of its indefinite strike, allowing time to monitor progress ahead of the January 25 NEC meeting.

Dr. Suleiman also highlighted the ongoing brain drain in the medical sector, noting that 4,700 doctors left Nigeria in 2024, with about 15,000 emigrating over the past seven years. He warned that the continuous exodus of medical professionals is significantly affecting healthcare delivery nationwide.