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North-Central ARD Demands Reinstatement of Dismissed Doctors at FTH Lokoja
On Friday, the North-Central chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) urgently called for the reinstatement of their colleagues recently terminated from the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Lokoja, Kogi State. The dismissals were reportedly linked to allegations of unauthorized protests and union activities, a decision strongly criticized by the caucus leader, Dr. Fanen Dogoh, during a press conference in Abuja as unjust and unwarranted.
Investigation Panels Advocate Reinstatement, Yet No Government Action
Dr. Dogoh disclosed that several investigative committees tasked with reviewing the matter unanimously recommended the reinstatement of the dismissed doctors. Despite these findings and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), no tangible steps have been taken to reverse the terminations.
Persistent Salary Arrears and Unpaid Allowances Affect Resident Doctors Nationwide
In addition to the dismissals, Dr. Dogoh highlighted the widespread issue of unpaid salaries and allowances impacting resident doctors across federal health institutions. For example, medical personnel at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, Benue State, are reportedly owed arrears extending up to 18 months, with similar financial challenges reported by doctors in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Potential Nationwide Strike Looms Over Unresolved Grievances
Dr. Dogoh urged the Federal Government to promptly address all outstanding issues raised during negotiations with NARD, warning that failure to do so could lead to a nationwide strike by resident doctors. The association has set a strike deadline for Monday, January 12, if the government fails to honor the MoU.
“It is imperative that the government swiftly resolves these critical matters, including delayed payments at doctors’ entry levels and the stalled implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement,” Dr. Dogoh stressed. He further noted that some unpaid allowances were excluded from the 2026 budget, a neglect that risks triggering a mass exodus of medical professionals from the country.
NARD Vice President Appeals for Immediate Government Action
Dr. Kwarshak Kelvin, Vice President II of NARD, echoed these concerns, calling on the Federal Government to urgently improve the welfare of resident doctors to avert a collapse of the healthcare system. He questioned whether accurate information regarding doctors’ welfare is reaching President Bola Tinubu and made a direct appeal for presidential intervention.
Delays in Promotion Arrears and Budget Approvals Hampering Progress
Dr. Kelvin urged the Minister of Health and Social Welfare to expedite the submission of promotion arrears for doctors in federal hospitals to the appropriate authorities for payment or inclusion in the national budget. He explained that delays in forwarding promotion letters to the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance have stalled the entire process.
Concerns Over Implementation of Professional Allowance
Highlighting the professional allowance schedule released in November 2025, which was retroactive from June 2024, Dr. Kelvin noted that implementation was expected to commence in January 2026, covering approximately 18 months of arrears. However, the government has yet to notify the Budget Office to incorporate this into the 2026 budget, effectively halting progress.
Consequences for Nigeria’s Healthcare System
The ongoing disputes and financial neglect threaten to worsen Nigeria’s already critical shortage of medical personnel. Recent statistics from the Nigerian Medical Association reveal that over 30% of resident doctors have contemplated relocating abroad due to poor working conditions and delayed remuneration. This impending strike could further strain healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved regions.
As the strike deadline nears, stakeholders are urging immediate dialogue and decisive action to prevent disruption of essential medical services nationwide.
