The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, delayed training funds, and worsening welfare concerns of its members across the country’s health sector.

In a communique issued after its ordinary general meeting (OGM) held in Kano, the association warned that it would not be able to guarantee industrial harmony if the issues remain unresolved within the 21-day period.

The communique was signed by Mohammad Suleiman, president, Shuaibu Ibrahim, secretary-general, and Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, publicity and social secretary, on Friday.

NARD said the federal government had failed to fulfil several commitments to doctors despite repeated assurances and engagements.

“The association hereby declares an industrial dispute with the federal government of Nigeria on the outlined matters above and cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the 21-day window period given to address all the demands,” the communique reads.

The association said it is giving the federal government the 21-day window to commence concrete actions towards the development and implementation of a national healthcare workers assault prevention and response protocol and the initiation of the necessary legislative process to address the menace.

NARD also demanded the release and payment of the 2026 medical residency training fund (MRTF) to all eligible resident doctors nationwide within the next 21 days.

The association questioned the unpaid salary and promotion arrears in several federal and state health institutions, as well as discrepancies in professional allowances reflected in members’ May 2026 salaries.

It highlighted the welfare issues affecting house officers, including salary delays, unpaid arrears, and difficulties with internship placement and onboarding processes that remain unresolved.

It also accused Motunrayo Omidiran, executive chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), of delaying the issuance of letters of compliance to federal health institutions, noting that the delay has hampered recruitment efforts, manpower shortages, and brain drain in the sector.

NARD expressed worries about the increasing assaults, harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks against doctors while on duty, demanding the arrests, investigation, and prosecution of perpetrators.

It called for the establishment of a national healthcare workers’ assault prevention and response protocol within 21 days by the federal government and security agencies.