BREAKING: Resident Doctors Issue 21-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Rising Attacks on Doctors, Declares Nationwide Industrial Dispute

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of possible nationwide industrial action over escalating attacks on medical personnel, unpaid allowances, and worsening welfare conditions in Nigeria’s health sector.

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By Hassan Jinjiri / June 7, 2026

KANO, NIGERIA — The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has escalated tensions in Nigeria’s health sector after issuing a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement urgent reforms aimed at protecting healthcare workers from increasing attacks and addressing long-standing welfare grievances.

The announcement was made at the conclusion of its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kano, where the association also declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over 14 unresolved demands affecting doctors nationwide.

The development signals a fresh wave of tension in Nigeria’s already overstretched healthcare system, which stakeholders warn could worsen if urgent action is not taken.

RISING ATTACKS ON DOCTORS SPARK NATIONAL CONCERN

NARD raised alarm over what it described as a disturbing escalation of violence, intimidation, and harassment against medical personnel while carrying out their duties in hospitals and health facilities across the country.

According to the association’s President, Mohammad Suleiman, the trend now poses a direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.

He described the situation as unacceptable and dangerous, warning that continued attacks on doctors could lead to a collapse in morale and service delivery within public hospitals.

“The OGM observed with grave concern the disturbing rise in cases of assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against doctors across the country,” Suleiman said.

21-DAY ULTIMATUM TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

As part of its resolutions, NARD gave the Federal Government a 21-day deadline to commence the implementation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol.

The association also demanded the initiation of legislative processes to ensure legal protection for healthcare workers across all levels of the health system.

Suleiman stressed that the government must urgently act to investigate, arrest, and prosecute perpetrators of attacks on medical personnel to restore confidence in hospital safety.

Failure to meet these demands, the association warned, could trigger further industrial action nationwide.

WORSENING WELFARE CRISIS IN HEALTH SECTOR

Beyond security concerns, NARD highlighted a growing welfare crisis affecting resident doctors across Nigeria.

The association demanded the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which it said has remained unpaid despite repeated government assurances.

It also called for the settlement of multiple outstanding financial obligations, including:

25/35% CONMESS arrears
19 months of unpaid professional allowances
Salary and promotion arrears across federal and state institutions

The group further raised concerns over discrepancies in recent allowance payments, describing the inconsistencies as unacceptable and demoralising to healthcare workers.

OVERWORK, SHORTAGES AND SYSTEMIC PRESSURE

NARD also drew attention to worsening working conditions in hospitals, including excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, and staff shortages caused by ongoing brain drain.

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The association accused authorities of failing to properly implement key provisions of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), leaving many doctors overburdened and underpaid.

It also criticised what it described as increasing casualisation of doctors and abuse of locum arrangements, warning that such practices undermine professionalism and efficiency in the health sector.

RECRUITMENT DELAYS AND FCC BOTTLENECKS

The association further expressed concern over delays by the Federal Character Commission in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment processes in federal health institutions.

According to NARD, the delays have worsened manpower shortages and contributed to rising pressure on existing staff.

The group demanded the immediate release of compliance documentation within the 21-day window to facilitate urgent recruitment and reduce strain on hospitals.

DISPUTES IN MAJOR TEACHING HOSPITALS

NARD also highlighted unresolved welfare issues in several tertiary institutions, including:

Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex
Lagos University Teaching Hospital

The association cited issues such as unpaid allowances, inadequate welfare provisions including call meals, and alleged victimisation of medical staff.

It urged immediate intervention to resolve the disputes and restore industrial harmony.

INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE DECLARED

In a major escalation, NARD formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over unresolved demands affecting doctors nationwide.

While acknowledging interventions by some state governments, including Osun and Kano, the association warned that failure to address its demands could lead to a breakdown of industrial harmony.

“The Association hereby declares an industrial dispute with the Federal Government,” NARD stated, adding that its National Officers Committee would engage stakeholders during the ultimatum period before further decisions are taken.

HEALTH SYSTEM UNDER PRESSURE

Health experts warn that the dispute comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s healthcare system, which is already grappling with manpower shortages, infrastructure deficits, and rising patient loads.

Analysts say prolonged confrontation between doctors and government could further weaken public hospitals and push more professionals out of the country.

NARD’s 21-day ultimatum marks a decisive escalation in its long-running standoff with the Federal Government over welfare, safety, and systemic reforms in Nigeria’s health sector.

With tensions rising and industrial action looming, the next three weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether dialogue can avert another nationwide disruption in medical services.