FG Blames Policy Constraints for NARD Strike Threat, Says Talks Still Ongoing

FG Blames Policy Constraints for NARD Strike Threat, Says Talks Still Ongoing

The Federal Government has attributed the lingering industrial dispute with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to structural and policy constraints, insisting the standoff is not a result of neglect by the government.

Resident doctors had announced plans to commence a nationwide strike on January 12, citing the government’s alleged failure to fully meet their long-standing welfare and professional demands.

Speaking on a recent programme aired on AIT, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, said the government remains committed to industrial harmony and uninterrupted healthcare delivery, but must operate within established public service frameworks.

“The ongoing standoff is driven by structural and policy issues rather than neglect,” Salako said, stressing that while the government would welcome improved remuneration for health workers, it must balance competing national priorities such as education, security and infrastructure.

He noted that the Tinubu administration demonstrated its commitment to health sector reforms in November 2025, when it approved an upward review of health workers’ professional allowances, a move that added nearly ₦90 billion to annual government expenditure.

According to him, the increase covered call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty and rural posting allowances, and was achieved through joint negotiations involving all categories of health professionals.

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Salako explained that unlike previous negotiations, which were often conducted separately and triggered inter-professional rivalry, the ministry adopted a collective bargaining framework, bringing together doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other health workers.

On the demands of NARD, the minister disclosed that the association’s requests had dropped from 19 to nine, signalling progress in negotiations. However, he said some unresolved demands remain limited by civil service rules and approved schemes of service.

Addressing the call for a specialist allowance for resident doctors, Salako clarified that residents are specialists-in-training, adding that existing regulations reserve such allowances for consultants. He revealed that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had advised against extending the allowance to resident doctors, warning it could open the door to similar claims from other health workers in specialist training.

He also dismissed allegations of government inaction on certification issues, explaining that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria does not issue certificates after Part I examinations, a policy beyond the ministry’s control.

On the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja, Salako said the matter arose from civil service disciplinary procedures. He disclosed that a ministerial review committee had recommended reinstatement for two doctors, reprimand for two, and a fresh disciplinary hearing for one, all in line with due process.

The minister assured Nigerians that the health ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders, remains committed to sustained dialogue to stabilise the health sector, ensure industrial peace, and avert future disruptions to healthcare services.

FG Blames Policy Constraints for NARD Strike Threat, Says Talks Still Ongoing