Amanze Chinonye
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has provided an update on negotiations with the Federal Government over key welfare and professional issues tpat prompted the association to issue a 21-day ultimatum, indicating progress in some areas but warning that several critical concerns remain unresolved, Prime Business Africa reports.
The update comes as the deadline given to the Federal Government draws to a close, with the association set to convene an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) to assess developments and determine its next course of action.
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In a statement issued by its Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD said it had engaged the Department of State Services (DSS) on the growing incidence of assaults on healthcare workers and was working to establish an anti-assault network that would collaborate with local branches of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARDs) nationwide to facilitate real-time reporting of incidents.
The association also advised ARD presidents across the country to strengthen engagement with DSS offices in their respective states as part of efforts to improve the safety of healthcare personnel.
According to NARD, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has constituted a committee to address assaults on healthcare workers. However, the committee is yet to submit its report after its last scheduled meeting was disrupted by the recent fire incident at the ministry.
On the long-standing issues of Professional Adjustment Tax (PAT), promotion arrears and salary arrears, the association said discussions remain ongoing at the level of the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Finance. It disclosed that a crucial meeting has been scheduled for Monday to advance deliberations and chart a path towards resolution.
NARD further stated that it is working with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant stakeholders to secure the payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to house officers and ensure the regularisation of salary payments.
The association also announced progress on the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), revealing that the Minister of Finance had approved the transfer of funds, while the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is processing the list of beneficiaries.
In addition, NARD disclosed that the ministerial committee established to review issues relating to locum practice and work hours had completed its assignment. The association’s National Officers Committee (NOC) expressed satisfaction with the recommendations and said the report would be presented to NEC for consideration.
Providing an update on salary-related concerns, the association said members whose professional allowances were omitted from their May salaries had been captured in the June payroll. It added that the outstanding May arrears are expected to be paid alongside June salaries.
Similarly, payment of the omitted arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) is expected to commence after the June salary process has been concluded.
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Despite the reported progress, NARD disclosed that industrial action remains imminent in some health institutions due to unresolved local disputes. The affected centres include the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba; the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo; and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
However, the association noted that the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) had suspended its warning strike following ongoing engagements with relevant authorities.
The development underscores the fragile state of labour relations in Nigeria’s health sector, where unresolved welfare and remuneration issues continue to fuel tensions among medical professionals. While government engagements appear to be yielding incremental progress, the outcome of NARD’s forthcoming NEC meeting is expected to be closely watched, as it could determine whether resident doctors escalate their demands through further industrial action.
NARD also expressed appreciation to the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Professor Ernest Omoti Afekhide, for his support in advancing the association’s welfare agenda and engagement with government authorities.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
