The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has intensified its appeal to the Federal Government for the immediate reinstatement of five doctors who were dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) in Lokoja, Kogi State. The doctors were reportedly sacked in October 2024, May, and August 2025 by the management of FTHL, formerly led by Dr Olatunde Alabi, on the grounds of their involvement in union activities against the hospital. NARD President, Dr Muhammed Suleiman, declared at a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday that the association is saying “enough is enough,” pointing out that the dismissed doctors have been without work for over a year.
The call for reinstatement is a key component of a larger list of outstanding demands contained in a 30-day ultimatum that NARD issued to the Federal Government during its recent 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM). Dr Suleiman noted that the press conference was held on the 18th day of the ultimatum, stressing the urgency of the situation. Alongside the reinstatement of the five doctors, NARD’s demands encompass the payment of unpaid promotion and salary arrears, some of which date back five years, and the payment of all outstanding 25 and 35 per cent increments and entitlements owed to its members.
The NARD President highlighted the critical state of Nigeria’s health sector, citing an alarming ratio of one doctor serving over 9,000 Nigerians, which is significantly lower than the World Health Organisation (WHO) standard of one doctor to 600 people. He warned that this crippling disparity, exacerbated by the continuous exodus of medical professionals, could spiral into a national disaster if not urgently addressed. Dr Suleiman therefore made a direct plea to President Bola Tinubu to take immediate and decisive action to resolve the systemic issues plaguing the healthcare system.
Dr Suleiman underscored that the return of the sacked doctors is crucial for alleviating the crippling workload on the remaining staff at FTH Lokoja, which is already a significant contributor to burnout and brain drain within the country. He informed the public about the severe plight of the affected doctors and affirmed NARD’s readiness to engage in immediate dialogue with the Federal Government to facilitate their reinstatement. The association believes that bringing these doctors back is an essential step towards stabilising the work environment at the hospital.
