CALABAR — The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of an impending nationwide industrial action if outstanding welfare, salary, and professional demands remain unaddressed.
The warning was contained in a communique issued on Sunday, September 27, 2026, following the conclusion of NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Calabar, Cross River State.
Newly elected NARD President, Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, disclosed that despite repeated negotiations, high-level engagements, and official commitments from government representatives, key structural issues crippling medical practice across federal and state tertiary hospitals have persisted without resolution.
Core Demands of the Resident Doctors
Reading out the resolutions of the National Executive Council (NEC), Dr. Idoko noted that the current remuneration framework no longer reflects economic realities, severe inflationary pressure, and the rising cost of living:
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Review of Salary Structure: Immediate implementation and conclusion of the review process regarding existing professional salary structures and allowances for medical doctors.
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Manpower Deficits & Workload: Urgent intervention on acute staff shortages across tertiary health institutions caused by continuous brain drain (Japa syndrome), which has forced remaining doctors into unsafe working conditions and severe burnout.
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Promotions & Arrears: Prompt payment of outstanding salary arrears, promotion allowances, and hazard pay adjustments across federal medical centers and teaching hospitals.
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Implementation of Past Agreements: Strict adherence to terms established in previous bilateral memorandums of understanding signed between NARD leadership and Federal Ministry of Health officials.
“The government has been too slow in implementing agreements already reached with our association,” Dr. Idoko stated. “Despite several assurances, the reality on the ground for our doctors remains grim. We urge the Federal Government to utilize this two-week window to avert an unnecessary crisis and prevent the total disruption of healthcare services across the country.”
