Resident doctors issue 14-day ultimatum over unpaid allowances and reforms

Resident doctors have given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to begin implementing outstanding agreements on welfare and working conditions. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors said the deadline would take effect on October 1, according to a communique issued after its 46th Annual General Meeting in Calabar. The meeting was held from September 21 to 26.

The association demanded immediate payment of 19 months of outstanding Professional Allowance Table arrears. It also called for arrears arising from the 25 and 35 per cent review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure. NARD said doctors in several federal institutions were still owed salary and promotion arrears.

It also demanded correction of errors in the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund and an increase that reflects the current cost of training. The association called for the reviewed training fund to be included in the 2027 Appropriation Act. It also sought progress on the long-running collective bargaining agreement and a sustainable recruitment system to address shortages linked to brain drain.

Other demands include work-hour regulation, biometric systems, compensation for excess workload, protection from assaults, pension contributions and improved healthcare infrastructure and equipment. NARD said its executive council would monitor the government’s response for two weeks. It warned that failure to demonstrate meaningful compliance could lead to further industrial action, while stressing that any response would be lawful and constitutionally sanctioned.