Atiku Issues Stern Warning to Federal Government Over NARD Agreements
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, emphasizing that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) should not be compelled to plead for commitments that have already been formally agreed upon. In a statement shared on his X social media platform on Sunday, Atiku, a prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), cautioned that unresolved welfare issues could escalate tensions within Nigeria's health sector.
Breach of Trust and Governance Concerns
Atiku highlighted that the Federal Government had previously signed an agreement concerning the Professional Allowance Table. However, recent reports suggest a reversal or significant delay in its implementation, which he described as a breach of trust and indicative of poor governance. He stressed that such actions undermine the credibility of government promises and erode confidence among healthcare professionals.
Resident doctors, who are crucial to the functioning of Nigeria's overburdened health system, continue to operate under challenging conditions. These include extended working hours, insufficient compensation, and inadequate infrastructure. Atiku pointed out that key grievances involve 19 months of unpaid Professional Allowance arrears, outstanding promotion arrears, and delays in the Medical Residency Training Fund, all contributing to mounting frustration among medical staff.
Brain Drain and Leadership Failures
Analysts have warned that the persistent neglect of doctors' welfare is accelerating the migration of healthcare workers to countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Saudi Arabia. Atiku remarked, 'Every doctor Nigeria loses to the UK, Canada, or Saudi Arabia is a failure of leadership, not a failure of patriotism. You cannot ask people to serve a nation that refuses to honour its own word.' This brain drain exacerbates the existing strain on Nigeria's health facilities, potentially leading to service disruptions.
In his post, Atiku expressed solidarity with NARD, urging the government to fulfill its obligations. He wrote, 'I stand with NARD. Pay what you owe. Honour what you signed. Or explain to 200 million Nigerians why their hospitals will go dark on Tuesday.' This statement underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent potential strikes or further deterioration in healthcare delivery.
Call for Immediate Action
Stakeholders across the health sector are echoing calls for the Federal Government to honor existing agreements, resolve pending payments, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to retaining medical professionals in Nigeria. Failure to act promptly could deepen the health crisis, affecting millions of citizens who rely on public hospitals for care. The situation highlights the need for transparent and accountable governance to ensure the stability and efficiency of the nation's healthcare system.
