Resident Doctors Give Tinubu Fresh Ultimatum Over ₦38 Billion Unpaid Allowances

By Diafa Doubra,

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately settle over ₦38 billion in unpaid allowances owed to its members, warning that continued government silence could lead to another nationwide strike.

In a statement issued after its National Executive Council meeting, NARD accused the Federal Government of neglecting doctors and other health workers despite their crucial role in keeping the nation’s healthcare system running. The group said the unpaid funds include hazard allowances, salary arrears, and other entitlements that have been pending for years.

Dr. Dele Abdullahi, the association’s president, lamented that many hospitals are understaffed and ill-equipped, while medical personnel continue to leave the country for better opportunities abroad. He urged the government to show genuine commitment to improving welfare and working conditions to stem the rising wave of “japa” among Nigerian doctors.

“We have been patient for too long. The government must act now to avoid a total collapse of the healthcare sector,” Abdullahi warned.