Resident Doctors Reject 25% Basic Salary Increment

• The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected the federal government’s recent 25% increase in doctors’ basic salaries.
• NARD is demanding the immediate release of the circular on the One-for-One policy to replace exited clinical workers for implementation

The striking Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has condemned the federal government’s recent 25% increase in doctors’ basic salaries.

The association stated in a communique issued on Saturday following its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos that it “vehemently rejects the paltry 25% increase in the basic salary of doctors, as well as the accoutrement allowance.”

The association stated that its previous demand was for the full restoration of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CMSS) to its original value as of the structure’s approval in 2009.

Dr. Orji Emeka Innocent, president of the association, signed the communique, as did Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, secretary-general, and publicity and social secretary, Dr. Umar Musa.

The NARD stated that it would continue the ongoing nationwide total and indefinite strike action until the government reasonably addresses her demands, as outlined in the ultimatum issued to the federal government on July 5, 2023.

It demanded the immediate release of the circular on the One-for-One policy to replace exited clinical workers for implementation. It said it could not continue to watch its members die and break down due to work overload caused by massive clinical staff depletion due to brain drain.

The association demanded immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), as well as payment of all salaries and arrears, including salary arrears from 2014 to 2016, hazard allowance arrears, minimum wage consequential adjustment arrears, and promotion arrears.

FG’s N25,000 allowance for doctors laughable, strike continues

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) expressed their dissatisfaction with the approved N25,000 allowance for doctors by President Bola Tinubu-led Nigerian government, calling it laughable.

The NARD President, Dr Emeka Oji, conveyed this during an interview with journalists. The industrial action initiated by the NARD continues.

Dr Oji’s remarks came in response to the statement made by Ekpo Nta, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the national salary and wages commission, who had announced the approval of the N25,000 allowance for doctors on Thursday.