The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern 72-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate payment of outstanding salary arrears and other allowances owed to its members across the country.
In an emergency National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja, the medical professionals expressed growing frustration over the government's failure to honor previous agreements regarding their welfare.
Key Demands from Medical Frontline Workers
The resident doctors are demanding several critical payments that have been pending for months:
- Immediate payment of salary arrears dating back to 2023 for members in various tertiary health institutions
- Clearance of outstanding hazard allowances owed to medical professionals who risked their lives during service
- Payment of skipping arrears dating from 2014 to 2016, representing long-standing financial obligations
- Settlement of salary shortfalls affecting members in federal and state tertiary health institutions
Government's Unfulfilled Promises
According to NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the association has shown remarkable patience despite numerous unfulfilled commitments from government representatives. "We have consistently engaged in dialogue and given the benefit of doubt, but our members can no longer continue working under such financial strain," Dr. Abdullahi stated.
The doctors highlighted that despite several meetings with the Federal Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and Nigerian Governors' Forum, concrete actions remain elusive.
Implications for Nigeria's Healthcare System
Should the government fail to meet the 72-hour deadline, NARD has warned of "serious industrial harmony" – a clear indication of potential strike action that could paralyze the already strained healthcare system.
This development comes at a critical time when Nigeria's health sector faces numerous challenges, including brain drain and inadequate infrastructure. The resident doctors constitute a significant portion of the medical workforce in most tertiary hospitals, making their potential withdrawal of services particularly concerning for patient care.
The association has called on all well-meaning Nigerians to intervene and persuade the government to address their legitimate demands before the situation escalates further.
