The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has secured fresh commitments from the Federal Government to address outstanding welfare demands, including payment of salary arrears, an upward review of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and the conclusion of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The commitments followed a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, on Thursday, October 8, 2026, to deliberate on the lingering welfare concerns of resident doctors.
The meeting was attended by the national leadership of NARD, led by its President, Dr. Ogar Emmanuel Idoko, as well as the ministers of health and social welfare, finance, and labour and employment. Other participants included the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and other relevant government officials.
In a statement issued on Friday by NARD’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ashimom Timothy Msughter, the association said the meeting resulted in renewed commitments to resolving the outstanding demands of resident doctors.
On the payment of outstanding arrears of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), the association said the Budget Office and the Federal Ministries of Health and Social Welfare and Finance had been directed to liaise with NARD immediately to facilitate payment without further delay.
The Federal Government also expressed its commitment to an upward review of the MRTF, with the necessary documentation and budgetary provisions reportedly being processed to advance the proposal.
On the Collective Bargaining Agreement, NARD said the directive for the immediate conclusion of negotiations had been reiterated, alongside the need to make adequate provisions for the agreement in the 2027 national budget.
The association also disclosed that its leadership had presented a case for tax exemption on allowances paid to doctors and other health workers, securing a commitment to address the issue going forward.
According to NARD, such an exemption, if implemented, would improve the take-home pay of health workers.
On the 2026 MRTF, the association said the final supplementary list had been submitted for verification and payment.
It further announced that payment of the outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears commenced on October 8, describing the development as progress towards resolving the longstanding issue.
Regarding house officers’ salary arrears, NARD said the names of affected officers had been collated and submitted, with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) mandated to facilitate payment without delay.
The association added that promotion and salary arrears for Batches 7 and 9 had been paid, while outstanding payments for other centres were being processed under Batch 10.
On concerns about excessive workloads and locum engagements, NARD said relevant circulars had already been issued and pledged to continue engaging the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to ensure their full implementation.
The association also said chief medical directors and medical directors had been directed to ensure that provisions for call meals were adequately captured in the 2027 Appropriation.
It urged NARD leaders across health institutions to engage their respective managements to ensure compliance with the directive.
Despite the commitments secured, the association stressed that the success of the engagement would ultimately depend on the full implementation of the resolutions.
It said its National Officers’ Committee would sustain discussions with the relevant authorities, monitor progress and continue to pursue the welfare demands of resident doctors until tangible results were achieved.
“NARD will not return to Egypt,” the association declared, reaffirming its determination to secure lasting solutions to the challenges facing its members and prevent the reversal of gains recorded through its advocacy.
The association expressed appreciation to Gbajabiamila and the government officials who participated in the meeting, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
Others acknowledged included the President of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr. Afekhide Ernest Omoti; the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu; the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi; and the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, retired Major General Junaid Sani Bindawa.
NARD reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement and sustained advocacy for improved welfare, better working conditions and a more sustainable residency training environment for resident doctors across the country.