The resolution was reached at the end of the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kano, where the doctors also declared an industrial dispute with the government over 14 outstanding issues affecting healthcare professionals and the broader health system.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, expressed concern over the increasing incidents of violence, intimidation, harassment and assault against doctors while carrying out their duties.
“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.”
He described the trend as a serious threat to healthcare delivery, calling it “barbaric, unacceptable and a dangerous threat” to the survival of the health system.
As part of its resolutions, the association called for the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on healthcare workers. It also urged security agencies and relevant authorities to improve protection for medical personnel and healthcare facilities across the country.
“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.”
NARD further demanded the release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), noting that resident doctors are yet to receive the fund despite several assurances from government officials.
“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 also called for the settlement of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS arrears, payment of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and clearance of salary and promotion-related debts owed to healthcare workers in federal and state institutions.
It further requested the correction of discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and the payment of all outstanding balances.
On welfare matters, NARD raised concerns over persistent challenges facing house officers, including delayed salaries, unpaid arrears, and difficulties associated with internship placement and onboarding processes.
The association also urged the government to fully implement unresolved provisions of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), while addressing issues such as excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and what it described as exploitative locum appointments.
Suleiman also criticised delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment, saying the situation has slowed employment processes and worsened manpower shortages in hospitals.
“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.
The association further appealed to federal and state tertiary health institutions to tackle persistent challenges relating to staff welfare, remuneration, infrastructure and workforce shortages.
It specifically pointed to unresolved issues at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, and the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), including concerns over call meals and alleged victimisation of doctors.
While acknowledging efforts by the governors of Ademola Adeleke and Abba Kabir Yusuf to improve healthcare services in their states, NARD warned that failure to address its demands within the stipulated period could result in further industrial action.
“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,” it said.
Suleiman added that the association’s National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would decide the next course of action.