The federal government says the ongoing industrial action by the National Association of Resident Doctors is rooted in structural and policy issues within the health sector, rather than neglect by the administration.

Deputy health minister Iziaq Salako stated this on Tuesday in a statement.

Mr Salako said the government has demonstrated commitment to improving the welfare of health workers through recent reforms, including an upward review of professional allowances worth about ₦90 billion annually.

The deputy health minister said the revised allowances, approved in November 2025, cover call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty and rural posting allowances, and were negotiated jointly with all health professional groups.

“Past negotiations were often fragmented, with different health professional groups engaging government separately, leading to conflicting agreements on pay parity and relativity and triggering repeated industrial actions,” he said.

Mr Salako said the current administration has adopted a collective bargaining approach to ensure inclusiveness and reduce conflict.

The deputy minister explained that while the government remains committed to improving healthcare workers’ remuneration, such reviews must be balanced against competing national priorities, including education, security and infrastructure.

Concerning NARD’s current demands, he said the association’s request list has been reduced from 19 to nine items, which he described as progress in ongoing engagements. He, however, noted that some demands are limited by existing public service rules and approved schemes of service.

Regarding the demand for a specialist allowance for resident doctors, he said residents remain specialists-in-training and that the allowance is currently reserved for consultants, in line with regulations.

Mr Salako added that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission had warned that extending the allowance could trigger similar claims from other categories of workers undergoing specialist training.

Per reported delays in certification, he said the National Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates after Part I examinations and that the Ministry cannot override the institution’s policy.

Commenting on the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja, Mr Salako said the action was the result of disciplinary processes within the civil service. He said that a ministerial review has recommended reinstatement for two doctors, reprimand for two others, and a fresh hearing for one.

Mr Salako assured Nigerians that the ministry, in collaboration with the labour ministry and other stakeholders, remains committed to sustained dialogue to stabilise the health sector and prevent disruptions to service delivery.

NARD represents medical doctors undergoing postgraduate training across teaching hospitals in the country.

Members of the association often engage in industrial action to press for improved working conditions, timely payment of allowances, and parity in remuneration with other health professionals.

(NAN)