The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has renewed its demand for the Federal Government to reinstate five doctors allegedly sacked by the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), Kogi State, over union-related activities.
According to PUNCH Online, the affected doctors were dismissed between October 2024 and August 2025 by the hospital’s former Chief Medical Director, Dr. Olatunde Alabi.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday, NARD President, Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, said the association has had enough of the delay, lamenting that the doctors have remained out of work for more than a year.
“Today marks the 18th day of the 30-day ultimatum NARD issued to the Federal Government to meet our demands — including the reinstatement of the five sacked doctors,” Suleiman stated.
He said other outstanding issues include payment of promotion and salary arrears spanning five years, as well as unpaid 25% and 35% increments and other entitlements.
Suleiman decried the worsening state of Nigeria’s health sector, revealing that one doctor currently caters to over 9,000 Nigerians — a stark contrast to the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 citizens.
He warned that failure to address the crisis could lead to a national disaster and urged President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly.
“NARD is ready to dialogue with the government, but our doctors must be reinstated. We cannot continue to lose manpower in the midst of a deepening health emergency,” he said.
Suleiman commended the new Acting CMD of FTH Lokoja for his willingness to engage and appealed for his support in ensuring justice for the affected doctors.
He concluded by emphasizing the need for the continuation of collective bargaining between the Federal Government, doctors, and other health workers, saying, “That is the only way to curb brain drain. NARD is saying — enough is enough.”
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