The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Monday said its demands are neither new nor unreasonable but represent the minimum requirements for a sustainable healthcare system.
The association said this in a press statement jointly signed by its President, Muhammad Suleiman; the Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The statement was a response to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s recent statement on efforts to address the doctors’ welfare.
The ministry’s statement came amid a nationwide strike by resident doctors, who on Saturday withdrew their services across 91 federal and state tertiary hospitals over unpaid arrears, delayed allowances, and other welfare-related issues.
NARD said that while it acknowledged the ministry’s attempt to reassure the public, the reality across hospitals contradicted the optimistic picture presented.
It added that the clarification was necessary so that President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians would understand the true nature of their grievances.
“NARD wishes to restate that it has nineteen (19) legitimate demands that have been consistently tabled before the Federal Government.
These demands are neither new nor unreasonable; they represent the minimum requirements for a sustainable healthcare system and for restoring dignity to medical practice in Nigeria,” the statement noted.
According to the association, the demands it presented to the Federal Government include the settlement of long-standing arrears and allowances, and the correction of irregularities in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.
Also, the prompt implementation of promotions and upgrades that have been delayed for years.
“While the ministry claims that over N30bn has been released to offset arrears owed to health workers (with doctors receiving only a small fraction of the total sum), this seems diversionary from the crux of the demands raised by NARD.
“These arrears, comprising 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, accoutrement allowance, promotion arrears, upgrade arrears, salary arrears, and other entitlements, have all lingered in the last five years without the government offsetting these arrears.
“While we appreciate the effort of all relevant stakeholders who keyed in to ensure the smooth commencement of payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS review arrears a few days before our total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike, it’s worth noting that many of our resident doctors have not received the full payment of these accrued arrears,” it said.
The association also raised concerns about recruitment and retention, saying that the claimed mass employment of health workers needed to be backed by verifiable data.
It said the number of resident doctors had significantly declined over the years due to poor remuneration, unsafe work conditions and delayed payments, which continue to fuel the exodus of medical professionals abroad.
“Nigeria’s active pool of resident doctors has dropped from 15,000–16,000 a decade ago to barely 9,000–10,000 today, in spite of a growing disease burden.
“Poor remuneration, bureaucratic delays in salary payments, and unsafe work environments continue to drive the Japa syndrome,” it emphasised.
On the Medical Residency Training Fund, NARD acknowledged the recent disbursement but said it should not be regarded as a favour, as it is a statutory entitlement that must be paid promptly and adjusted to reflect economic realities.
It also criticised the delay in reinstating doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, describing it as insensitive at a time when the country faced an acute shortage of medical professionals.
The association further urged the government to correct issues around the re-categorisation of certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), which it said had demoralised doctors and undermined their professional achievements.
It demanded that resident doctors who render specialist-level services be included among beneficiaries of the specialist allowance and called for an immediate review of the professional allowance table to align with the current minimum wage and inflation trends.
NARD also decried lingering unpaid salaries in several federal hospitals, the non-implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy, and the persistent casualisation of doctors across institutions.
It said issues of relativity between salary structures and excessive work hours without compensation must also be addressed to ensure genuine industrial harmony.
The doctors’ body added that their struggle goes beyond monetary benefits, stressing that it is about dignity, safety, and the survival of both healthcare workers and patients.
It said doctors continue to work under poor and unsafe conditions, often without recognition or adequate support.
“NARD remains committed to genuine dialogue and the restoration of normalcy once verifiable actions (not mere promises) are implemented.
“We appeal to Nigerians for understanding and solidarity. This strike is not against the people; it is for the survival of our doctors, patients, and healthcare system.
“We seek a Nigeria where healthcare workers are valued, hospitals function optimally, and patients receive the quality care they deserve. Industrial peace cannot be achieved through press statements but through justice, sincerity, and respect for agreements,” it added.
PUNCH NEWS.
