The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans for an indefinite nationwide strike starting November 1, accusing the federal government of owing doctors and other health workers an estimated N38 billion in accumulated allowances.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, said the strike follows the government’s failure to meet the association’s 30-day ultimatum, despite years of broken promises.
“This is not just about doctors; it’s about every health worker who’s been abandoned. Mr. President, you are the father of the nation — please intervene,” Suleiman pleaded. “Those in offices get their salaries regularly. It is we who are saving lives that are left unpaid.”
According to NARD, the government owes health professionals varying arrears — from seven months to over two years — including unpaid allowances dating back 10 years. The association also revealed that doctors’ salaries have not been reviewed in 16 years.
At the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife, 83 doctors under the 2022 waiver are yet to be paid, while 40 others have not received their March 2024 salaries. Similar issues persist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where several doctors remain off the government payroll.
“Across all hospitals, doctors are overworked, underpaid, and mentally drained,” Suleiman said. “The system is collapsing, and our patience is wearing thin.”
The association’s communiqué accused the government of failing to pay five months’ arrears from the 25% and 35% CONMESS salary review, unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowance, and promotion arrears since 2021.
It also condemned the government’s failure to implement the one-for-one replacement policy, which has worsened manpower shortages and forced remaining doctors to work excessive hours “in violation of international best practices.”
Institutions such as the Benue State University Teaching Hospital reportedly owe 18 months’ salaries, while members at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, are owed between four and eight months of pay.
NARD said the federal government’s total debt to healthcare workers stands between N35 billion and N38 billion, adding that without immediate intervention, the nation’s hospitals could soon grind to a halt.
“The time for promises is over,” Suleiman warned. “We’ve waited, negotiated, and hoped — now, we are taking action.”
