The Federal Government has stated that the ongoing industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) stems from deep-seated structural and policy problems within Nigeria's health sector, rather than any neglect by the current administration.
Government Highlights Reforms and ₦90 Billion Allowance Review
Addressing the issue, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare emphasized the government's demonstrated commitment to improving health workers' welfare. He pointed to significant recent reforms, most notably an upward review of professional allowances valued at approximately ₦90 billion annually.
This revised allowance package, which received approval in November 2025, covers several critical areas. These include call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty, and rural posting allowances. The minister stressed that this review was the product of joint negotiations with all health professional groups, marking a shift from previous approaches.
A New Approach to Bargaining and Addressing Specific Demands
The minister explained that past negotiations were often problematic and fragmented. Different professional bodies would engage the government separately, leading to conflicting agreements on pay parity and remuneration structures. This disjointed process, he noted, was a key contributor to the repeated industrial unrest witnessed in the health sector.
To combat this, the current administration has adopted a collective bargaining model. This approach aims to ensure inclusiveness and minimize future disputes. While reaffirming the government's dedication to better remuneration, the minister added that such reviews must be carefully balanced against other pressing national priorities like education, security, and infrastructure development.
On the current strike, he reported progress, noting that NARD's list of demands has been reduced from 19 items to nine. However, he clarified that some requests are limited by existing public service regulations and approved schemes of service.
Clarifications on Specialist Allowance and Other Issues
Regarding the specific demand for a specialist allowance for resident doctors, the minister provided clarification. He stated that resident doctors are classified as specialists-in-training. Under current regulations, the specialist allowance is reserved for consultants. Extending it to residents, he warned, could trigger similar claims from other worker categories undergoing specialist training.
On the reported delays in certification for doctors, the minister explained that the National Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates after Part I examinations. He stated that the Ministry cannot override the institution's established policy on this matter.
Concerning the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja, the minister said the action followed standard civil service disciplinary procedures. He added that a subsequent ministerial review had recommended the reinstatement of two doctors, a reprimand for two others, and a fresh hearing for the remaining one.
The government has assured Nigerians of its continued commitment to sustained dialogue with all health sector stakeholders. The goal is to stabilize the system and prevent further disruptions to the delivery of healthcare services across the country.
NARD represents medical doctors who are undergoing postgraduate training in teaching hospitals nationwide. The association has a history of embarking on industrial actions primarily concerning welfare, allowances, and remuneration.
