The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has repeated its request to the Federal Government to reinstate five doctors dismissed by the management of Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja in Kogi State. According to reports, the doctors were allegedly fired in October 2024, May 2025, and August 2025 by FTHL administration, led by former Chief Medical Director Dr. Olatunde Alabi, for their engagement in union activities against hospital management.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday, the president of NARD, Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, declared that the association has reached its limit, noting that the dismissed doctors have been without work for over a year.
Suleiman reminded the public that during NARD’s 45th Annual General Meeting, the association had issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several unresolved welfare and policy issues affecting its members.
“Today marks the 18th day of the 30-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government to meet our demands, one of which is the reinstatement of the five doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Lokoja,” he stated.
He explained that NARD’s demands include the reinstatement of the sacked doctors and the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears spanning five years, as well as the settlement of unpaid 25 percent and 35 percent salary increments and other entitlements.
Highlighting the severe strain on the country’s healthcare system, Suleiman noted that one doctor currently caters to over 9,000 Nigerians, far exceeding the recommended ratio of one doctor to 600 people.
He urged the Federal Government to adopt a comprehensive approach in tackling the challenges facing the health sector, calling on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to avert a looming national crisis.
Suleiman also reaffirmed NARD’s willingness to engage the government in constructive dialogue to resolve the dispute.
“We need the reinstated doctors to help reduce the workload in our hospitals. Nigerians should be aware of their situation. NARD is open to discussions with the Federal Government to ensure justice is done,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of continuing collective bargaining between the government and healthcare professionals without further delay, stressing that this was the only sustainable way to curb the ongoing brain drain.
“NARD is saying—enough is enough,” he declared.
