Posted on: Thu 16-10-2025

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has once again urged the Federal Government to reinstate five of its members dismissed by the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), warning that failure to act could further cripple Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system.

 

Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday, NARD President, Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, condemned the continued dismissal of the doctors, who were reportedly sacked by the hospital's former Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olatunde Alabi, between October 2024 and August 2025. The doctors, Suleiman said, were targeted for their involvement in union activities.

 

“These doctors have been unjustly out of work for more than a year,” Suleiman stated. “We are saying enough is enough. Their reinstatement is non-negotiable.”

 

The renewed call follows a 30-day ultimatum issued by NARD during its 45th Annual General Meeting, demanding urgent government intervention on several outstanding issues affecting its members. Tuesday marked the 18th day of that ultimatum.

 

Among NARD’s demands are the reinstatement of the five sacked doctors, settlement of promotion and salary arrears going back five years, and payment of long-overdue entitlements, including a 25% and 35% salary increment.

 

Dr. Suleiman also highlighted Nigeria's worsening doctor-to-patient ratio, stating that a single doctor now attends to over 9,000 people—far from the World Health Organization's recommended ratio of 1:600. He warned that the healthcare system is nearing collapse.

 

“If the government fails to act decisively, the consequences could be disastrous,” Suleiman cautioned. “We urge President Bola Tinubu to intervene personally to prevent a national health emergency.”

 

While commending the new Acting CMD of FTH Lokoja for his openness and willingness to engage, NARD called on him to work with the association to achieve justice for the affected doctors.

 

Suleiman reaffirmed NARD’s willingness to enter dialogue with the Federal Government but insisted that negotiations must resume without further delay.

 

“Reinstating these doctors is crucial—not just for justice, but to reduce the growing burden on the remaining health workers. We are open to dialogue, but the government must show seriousness,” he said.

 

He also emphasized that collective bargaining remains key to reversing the ongoing brain drain in the health sector.

 

“Many of our best-trained doctors are leaving the country because they feel abandoned. To stop this trend, the government must act now. Enough is enough,” Suleiman concluded.

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