The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has resolved to extend its ultimatum to the federal government by four weeks to secure full implementation of its 14-point welfare demands, urging the government to act within 21 days to protect health workers.
In a communique after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on June 27, the association warned that it could not guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week window if its demands were not fully met. It also declared an industrial dispute with the government over the unresolved issues.
The communique, signed by President Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary General Shuaibu Ibrahim and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, said the council reviewed developments after the expiry of an earlier 21-day window granted at its May meeting.
Among the demands are immediate disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, a transparent and sustainable salary payment system, clearance of salary arrears and payment of 19 months’ outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.
The association also pressed for implementation of recommendations of the Ministerial Committee on Assaults against Healthcare Workers and payment of entitlements owed by defaulting states and tertiary institutions, warning that continued hardship imposed on house officers through delayed pay would no longer be tolerated.
