The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to commence the development and implementation of a national framework for the protection of healthcare workers amid increasing attacks on medical personnel across the country.

The association also declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over 14 unresolved demands affecting doctors and the health sector, warning that it could not guarantee industrial harmony if its demands were not addressed within the stipulated period.

NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the resolutions at a press briefing at the end of the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Kano.

According to Suleiman, the meeting expressed concern over the growing incidents of assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks on doctors while carrying out their professional 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 said.

Suleiman described the attacks as “barbaric, unacceptable and a dangerous threat” to Nigeria’s healthcare system.

As part of its resolutions, the association called for the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of individuals responsible for attacks on healthcare workers and urged security agencies to strengthen protection around medical personnel and health facilities nationwide.

“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,” Suleiman said.

The association also demanded the immediate release and payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors nationwide within the 21-day period.

In addition, NARD called for the payment of outstanding 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and the clearance of salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal and state health institutions.

The association further demanded the correction of discrepancies in professional allowance payments made in May 2026 and the settlement of all related arrears.

On welfare issues, NARD expressed concern over persistent salary delays, unpaid arrears and difficulties surrounding internship placements and onboarding of house officers.

The association also urged the government to fully implement outstanding provisions of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and address issues such as excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and alleged abuse of locum appointments.

Suleiman criticised delays by the Federal Character Commission (FCC) in issuing compliance letters required for recruitment, saying the situation had worsened manpower shortages in the health sector.

“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,” he said.

NARD also called on federal and state tertiary health institutions to address challenges relating to staff welfare, remuneration, infrastructure and workforce shortages.

The association specifically cited 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 the alleged victimisation of doctors.

While commending Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, for their interventions in the health sector, NARD warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to 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,” the association stated.

Suleiman said NARD’s National Officers Committee would engage relevant stakeholders during the ultimatum period, after which the National Executive Council would determine the association’s next course of action.