The Federal Government has clarified that its ongoing dispute with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) stems from long-standing structural and policy challenges rather than neglect of medical professionals.
In a statement released by the State House on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed that the Tinubu administration remains committed to industrial harmony but must operate within civil service rules and national revenue constraints.
“The ongoing standoff is driven by structural and policy issues rather than neglect. While the government would be pleased to significantly raise health workers’ pay, it must balance such demands with obligations to other sectors, including education, security, and national infrastructure,” Salako said.
He noted that an upward review of professional allowances approved in November 2025 added nearly ₦90 billion to annual government expenditure, covering call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty, and rural posting allowances.
Salako explained that the administration demonstrated its commitment by approving the review through joint negotiations involving all health worker groups. He highlighted that the Ministry had moved away from fragmented negotiations, which previously allowed unions to bargain separately, often resulting in conflicting agreements and repeated strikes.
“To address this, the Ministry adopted a collective bargaining approach, ensuring that doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists, and other health workers negotiated together,” he added.
The Minister disclosed that NARD’s list of demands had been reduced from 19 to nine, though some—such as requests for specialist allowances—remain unresolved due to legal and administrative restrictions. He clarified that resident doctors, being specialists-in-training, are not eligible for allowances reserved for consultants, as advised by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
On the controversial disengagement of five resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Salako assured that due process was being followed. A ministerial review committee recommended reinstatement for two doctors, reprimand for two others, and a fresh disciplinary hearing for one.
He concluded by reaffirming that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, remains open to dialogue to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery nationwide.
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