The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected the Federal Ministry of Labour’s assertion that a “high percentage” of the association’s demands have been met, describing the claim as false, misleading, and an attempt to distort ongoing negotiations.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, Secretary General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, NARD expressed “profound disappointment” over the ministry’s November 19 press release, saying it “grossly misrepresents the state of negotiations and the reality of the ongoing industrial action.”
According to NARD, contrary to the ministry’s suggestion of significant progress, the government has not fully met any of the association’s 19 core demands.
The association said findings from its Extra-Ordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on November 17 show that none of the items government claims to have addressed has been implemented in practical terms.
“Not a single one of our 19 core demands has been fully and verifiably met,”NARD stated, adding that government’s claims amount to “unfulfilled promises, uncommenced payments, and newly formed committees—a familiar cycle of delay and deception.”No Payments Received, NARD InsistsOn the payment of the reviewed 25%/35% CONMESS and 2024 accoutrement allowances, the association accused the ministry of confusing mere announcements with actual implementation.
“Our members across the country have not received these payments… An announcement of intent is not a substitute for a credited salary.”NARD also dismissed claims that salary arrears and specialist allowances are being processed, saying government is still “compiling lists” years after negotiations began.
“The fact that government is still at the stage of compiling lists confirms our central grievance: a crippling lack of urgency and implementation.”Committees Not Solutions, NARD Says
The association criticised government’s formation of committees to address manpower shortages, the disengagement of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja, and the alleged casualisation of medical staff.
“Constituting a committee is not a resolution; it is often a bureaucratic tool for indefinite postponement.”NARD demanded the immediate reinstatement and compensation of the disengaged Lokoja doctors, as well as a functional one-for-one replacement policy to address burnout and staff shortages.Why NARD Declined to Sign the MoU
Responding to claims that it refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), NARD said it cannot endorse an agreement that lacks substance, timelines, and binding commitments.
“We refuse to sign any MoU built on unfulfilled promises…
An MoU that does not guarantee immediate and verifiable action is not worth the paper it is written on.”
Strike to Continue Indefinitely
NARD reaffirmed that its total, indefinite, and comprehensive nationwide strike, which began on November 1, will continue until its minimum demands are met.
These include:Reinstatement and compensation for the five disengaged Lokoja doctors
Immediate payment of corrected professional allowances and outstanding arrears
Full implementation of one-for-one replacement
Resolution of all pending welfare and systemic issues
While restating its willingness to continue negotiations, the association said government must abandon superficial gestures and take decisive action.
“Our patience has been exhausted by years of conciliatory meetings that yield nothing but press releases filled with hollow victories.”
NARD called on the government to prioritise concrete solutions over public statements.
“The health of our nation is in the balance, and the responsibility to restore stability lies squarely with the government.”