Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
KANO, Nigeria – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to begin implementing a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers, following a disturbing rise in physical assaults, intimidation, and violent attacks on medical personnel across the country. The association also declared an industrial dispute with the government over 14 unresolved welfare issues, threatening that industrial harmony in the health sector cannot be guaranteed if its demands are not met within the stipulated timeframe.
NARD issued the ultimatum on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at a press briefing concluding its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference, which was held from May 31 to June 5 in Kano State. The conference, themed “Caring for the Caregivers: Mental Health and Emotional Resilience in Residency Training,” brought together resident doctors, medical experts, and government officials to address the escalating crisis of violence against healthcare workers.
In a statement, NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman expressed grave concern over what he described as a “barbaric, unacceptable, and dangerous threat” to the survival of 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 cited at least 17 tertiary health institutions that have recorded assaults on doctors within the past year, including the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan; Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo; Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu; and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), among others. The attacks, often carried out by patients’ relatives or individuals dissatisfied with treatment outcomes, have resulted in physical injuries, emotional trauma, destruction of personal belongings, and psychological distress for medical personnel. NARD lamented that despite reports of arrests in some cases, offenders are rarely prosecuted, creating a culture of impunity that encourages further violence against doctors.
One of the central demands of the ultimatum is the immediate development of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol. NARD urged the government and security agencies to strengthen protection for medical personnel and facilities nationwide and to initiate the necessary legislative process to address the menace. “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,” Suleiman said.
Beyond security concerns, NARD presented a comprehensive list of 14 unresolved welfare and professional demands. Chief among them is the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which the association noted remains unpaid despite repeated assurances. The association also demanded payment of outstanding 25/35 percent CONMESS arrears, settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and clearance of salary and promotion arrears across federal and state health institutions. Additionally, NARD called for the correction of discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and the settlement of all related arrears.
The association raised concerns over worsening welfare conditions for house officers, including salary delays, unpaid arrears, and challenges in internship placement and onboarding. It also demanded full implementation of outstanding provisions in the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and urged government action on excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors, and abusive locum appointments. Suleiman also criticized delays by the Federal Character Commission in issuing compliance letters, stating that the situation is worsening workforce shortages and accelerating brain drain in the health sector. “The OGM demands the immediate issuance of a letter of compliance by the Chairperson of the FCC within the next 21 days to facilitate employment of healthcare workers and avert further worsening of the brain drain crisis,” the NARD chief said.
NARD formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over the unresolved issues and warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands remain unmet after the 21-day deadline expires. The association acknowledged progress made by a ministerial committee addressing excessive workload and casualisation, while urging authorities to conclude and implement its recommendations without delay. NARD commended the governors of Kano and Osun states for efforts aimed at improving doctors’ welfare, but stressed that federal-level action was urgently required to prevent a nationwide breakdown of healthcare services.
The Federal Government has not yet issued an official response to the ultimatum. The Nigerian healthcare system, already under severe strain from inadequate funding, infrastructure deficits, and a persistent brain drain, now faces the prospect of further disruption if the government fails to meet the doctors’ demands within the coming weeks. For millions of Nigerians who rely on public health facilities, the next 21 days will determine whether the doctors remain at their posts or are forced to withdraw their services once again.
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