The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has again urged the Federal Government to reinstate five doctors dismissed by the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja (FTHL), over alleged union activities.
NARD President, Dr Muhammed Suleiman, who addressed journalists in Lokoja, said the doctors were wrongfully sacked between October 2024 and August 2025 under the leadership of the former Chief Medical Director, Dr Olatunde Alabi.
Suleiman noted that the association’s 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, issued during its 45th Annual General Meeting, was nearing expiration. “Today marks the 18th day of our ultimatum. We demand the reinstatement of the five doctors, payment of promotion arrears, and settlement of the unpaid 25% and 35% increments,” he stated.
He decried the worsening doctor-to-patient ratio of 1:9,000 in Nigeria and warned that continued neglect could lead to a national health crisis.
Suleiman urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt a holistic approach to reform the health sector and praised the acting CMD, Dr Ebune Ojochide, for his willingness to engage constructively with NARD.
