Resident Doctors Accuse FG Of Delays, Demand Immediate Action

THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has accused the Federal Government of using committees and unfulfilled promises to stall meaningful action on their long-standing demands. The association said none of its 19 core requests have been met, contrary to claims by the Ministry of Labour.

In a statement signed by its national executives, NARD said the Ministry’s 19th November press release falsely suggested that significant progress had been made. The doctors argued that payments for the 25%/35% CONMESS adjustment and the 2024 accoutrement allowance had not reached any of their members, dismissing government claims as mere promises rather than concrete action.

NARD criticised the government’s continued “compilation of lists” for unpaid arrears in hospitals such as FTH Lokoja, FMC Owo and UITH, saying this reflected a persistent lack of urgency. It also rejected the government’s reliance on committees to address manpower shortages and the disengagement of doctors in Lokoja, describing the approach as a tactic for indefinite delays.

The group further explained that it declined to sign a proposed Memorandum of Understanding because it lacked binding timelines and credible commitments. It insisted that the ongoing nationwide strike, which began 1st November, would continue until government meets key conditions, including the reinstatement of disengaged doctors in Lokoja, payment of all outstanding allowances, full implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy and resolution of other pending issues.

NARD urged the government to stop issuing “misleading statements” and instead take practical steps to end the crisis, warning that the nation’s healthcare system is at risk without decisive action.