The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has renewed its call on the Federal Government to reinstate five doctors dismissed by the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), over their alleged involvement in union activities.
The affected doctors were reportedly sacked between October 2024 and August 2025, leaving them unemployed for over a year.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, NARD President, Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, said the association’s patience is wearing thin as the 30-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding welfare and policy demands draws to a close.
“Today marks the 18th day of our 30-day ultimatum. Among our key demands is the immediate reinstatement of the five doctors dismissed at FTH Lokoja,” he said.
Dr. Suleiman explained that the doctors were allegedly punished under the former Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olatunde Alabi, for engaging in legitimate union activities. He described the action as unjust and a direct attack on workers’ rights.
The NARD president also highlighted other unresolved issues, including the non-payment of long-overdue promotion and salary arrears spanning up to five years, as well as unpaid 25 and 35 percent salary increments and other entitlements.
Decrying the worsening state of the health sector, Suleiman warned that Nigeria was facing a “critical crisis,” with one doctor now attending to more than 9,000 citizens, compared to the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 people.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent and comprehensive action to address the challenges facing the sector, warning that failure to do so could result in “a national disaster.”
“We need those sacked doctors reinstated to reduce the crushing workloads in hospitals,” Suleiman stressed. “NARD is open to dialogue with the Federal Government to find lasting solutions, but we are also saying enough is enough.”
He commended the Acting Chief Medical Director of FTH Lokoja, D.r Ebune Ojochide, for his cooperation and urged him to continue working with NARD in the pursuit of justice and fairness.
Dr. Suleiman concluded by calling for the continuation of negotiations between the Federal Government and health workers, stressing that sustained dialogue remains key to curbing the growing trend of brain drain in the country.
