The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on Saturday, demanding the implementation of a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers. The association raised the alarm over a growing wave of attacks on medical personnel across the country.
NARD delivered the ultimatum at a press briefing to conclude its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), which took place in Kano. The gathering brought together resident doctors, medical experts, and government officials to discuss challenges facing healthcare workers nationwide.
The association expressed grave concern over the rising cases of assault, intimidation, harassment, and violent attacks against doctors. NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman described the trend as a serious threat to Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
“The OGM observed with grave concern the disturbing rise in cases of assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against doctors across the country while discharging their professional duties,” Suleiman said. He called the trend “barbaric, unacceptable and a dangerous threat” to the survival of the health system.
The association disclosed that no fewer than 17 tertiary health institutions recorded cases of attacks on doctors and other healthcare workers within one year. Affected facilities included the University College Hospital, Ibadan; Federal Medical Centre, Owo; National Hospital, Abuja; and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, among others.
NARD demanded the immediate investigation, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators of attacks on health workers. The association also urged the government and security agencies to strengthen protection for medical personnel and facilities nationwide.
“Consequently, the OGM gives the Federal Government a 21-day window to commence concrete actions towards the development and implementation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol, as well as the initiation of the necessary legislative process to address this menace,” Suleiman added.
The doctors also decried the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). The association noted that the fund remained unpaid despite repeated assurances from government authorities. “The OGM demands the release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund to all eligible resident doctors nationwide within the next 21 days,” Suleiman said.
The association further demanded payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS arrears, settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and clearance of salary and promotion arrears across federal and state health institutions.
The association formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over the unresolved issues. NARD warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands remained unmet after the 21-day period.
“The association hereby declares an industrial dispute with the Federal Government on the outlined matters above and cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the 21-day window,” the association stated.
