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Doctors Demand Payment of Unpaid Training Funds, Salary Arrears

Published

1 month ago

Feb 2, 2025.

Resident doctors demand unpaid training funds.
They urge FG to settle salary arrears.
Doctors warn of possible action soon.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to pay the outstanding Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF) for 2023 and 2024.

The appeal was made by the association’s president, Dr. Osundara Tope-Zenith, during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday.

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The briefing marked the conclusion of the 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference of the association.

Tope-Zenith also voiced concern over the non-payment of arrears related to the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

While commending the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for convening a stakeholders’ meeting to address MRTF issues, he criticized the continued delay in meeting the financial obligations of resident doctors.

“The NEC observed with dismay the persistent short-changing of our members over the past five years, as there have been no consequential adjustments to the CONMESS basic salary and allowances,” Tope-Zenith stated. “This is a clear violation of the provisions of the 2009 collective bargaining agreement.”

The association, however, acknowledged that some Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) had fully disbursed the Accoutrement Allowance arrears.

The NEC also expressed concerns over the persistent manpower shortage in many hospitals, a challenge that continues to affect healthcare delivery.

NARD specifically recognized Prof. John Okeniyi, the CMD of Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital, for implementing measures to maintain industrial peace.

Additionally, the NEC commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, for ensuring the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances, MRTF disbursement, and employment of doctors in the FCT.

“The NEC observed the persistent drift of specialized medical manpower in privately owned teaching hospitals due to poor remuneration,” Tope-Zenith added.

In response to these concerns, the association resolved that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria should expedite the payment of the 2025 MRTF and ensure that the outstanding 2023 and 2024 MRTFs are settled.

Furthermore, the Federal Government was urged to promptly pay the arrears of the revised CONMESS, as well as other outstanding salary payments without further delay.

The association also demanded the full implementation of the consequential adjustments for the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage on doctors’ basic salaries and allowances.

Tope-Zenith noted that the NEC had mandated its National Officers Committee to continue engaging the Federal Government on all outstanding payments.

However, he warned that if no significant progress was made within six weeks, an emergency NEC meeting would be called to deliberate on the next course of action.

The NEC also demanded that all CMDs and Medical Directors complete the payment of the 2023/2024 Accoutrement Allowance arrears.

Sustained engagement with the ministry was emphasized as a means to ensure continuous employment of doctors in all health institutions, thereby mitigating the ongoing brain drain.

In addition, NARD urged state governors to prioritize the welfare of doctors working in state-owned hospitals and training institutions, highlighting that improved conditions would help retain healthcare professionals and promote industrial harmony. The NEC also called on CMDs and CEOs of privately owned teaching hospitals to improve welfare packages for resident doctors to curb the exodus of medical talent.

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The 2025 NEC meeting was held under the theme, “Empowering Doctors with Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills: A Panacea for Universal Health Coverage and a Brighter Healthcare System.” The sub-theme focused on “Building Resilience and Strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare System for Effective Disaster and Disease Management.”

As the Federal Government deliberates on these demands, resident doctors remain hopeful that their appeals will be met to prevent further disruptions in Nigeria’s already strained healthcare sector.

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