The Federal Government says the ongoing industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) stems from structural and policy challenges within the health sector, rather than negligence on the part of the administration.
Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, made the statement on Tuesday through Mr. Alaba Balogun, Director of Information and Public Relations of the Ministry.
Salako said the government has shown commitment to improving the welfare of health workers through recent reforms, including an upward review of professional allowances worth about ₦90 billion annually.
The minister noted that the revised allowances, approved in November 2025, cover call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty, and rural posting allowances, and were negotiated collectively with all health professional groups.
“Past negotiations were often fragmented, with different health professional groups engaging government separately. This led to conflicting agreements on pay parity and relativity, triggering repeated industrial actions,” he said.
He explained that the current administration has adopted a collective bargaining approach to ensure inclusiveness and reduce conflict.
Salako added that while the government remains committed to improving healthcare workers’ remuneration, such reviews must be balanced against other national priorities, including education, security, and infrastructure.
On NARD’s current demands, he said the association’s request list has reduced from 19 to nine items, which he described as progress in ongoing engagements. However, some demands are constrained by existing public service rules and approved schemes of service.
Regarding the demand for specialist allowance for resident doctors, Salako explained that residents are specialists-in-training and that the allowance is currently reserved for consultants in line with regulations. He added that the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission had warned that extending the allowance could prompt similar claims from other workers undergoing specialist training.
On reported delays in certification, he said the National Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates after Part I examinations and that the Ministry cannot override the institution’s policy.
Commenting on the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja, Salako said the action resulted from civil service disciplinary processes. A ministerial review has recommended reinstatement for two doctors, reprimand for two others, and a fresh hearing for one.
Salako assured Nigerians that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders, remains committed to sustained dialogue to stabilize the health sector and prevent disruptions to service delivery.
NARD represents medical doctors undergoing postgraduate training across teaching hospitals nationwide. Members of the association often engage in industrial action to press for improved working conditions, timely payment of allowances, and parity in remuneration with other health professionals.
