The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has reiterated its demand that the Federal Government reinstate five doctors who were dismissed by the management of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL) in Kogi State.
According to reports by Punch Online, the affected doctors were allegedly sacked in October 2024, May, and August 2025 by the hospital management under former Chief Medical Director, Dr Olatunde Alabi, due to their participation in union activities challenging the administration.
Speaking at a press briefing in Lokoja on Tuesday, NARD President, Dr Muhammed Suleiman, stated that the association has reached a point of “enough is enough,” noting that the dismissed doctors have been without employment for over a year.
Suleiman recalled that during NARD’s 45th Annual General Meeting, the association issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address several outstanding welfare and policy demands affecting its members.
“Today is the 18th day of the 30-day ultimatum that NARD gave to the Federal Government to meet our demands, among which is the reinstatement of five doctors sacked at FTH Lokoja.
“NARD’s demands include the reinstatement of the sacked doctors, payment of unpaid promotion and salary arrears dating back to five years, unpaid 25 and 35 per cent increment and entitlements,” he said.
Highlighting the critical state of the country’s health sector, Suleiman noted that Nigeria faces a severe doctor shortage, with one medical practitioner attending to over 9,000 people, far below the recommended ratio of one doctor per 600 citizens.
He emphasised that the Federal Government must adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges in the health sector. Suleiman called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene urgently, warning that failure to act could result in a national health crisis.
“We need the sacked doctors back to reduce workloads in the hospital. We inform Nigerians about the doctors’ plight.
“NARD is ready to discuss with the Federal Government to reinstate sacked doctors,” he said.
Suleiman further highlighted the importance of sustaining the ongoing collective bargaining between the Federal Government, Nigerian doctors, and other health workers without delay.
“That is the only way to curb brain drain. NARD is saying enough is enough,” he emphasised.
He also commended the new Acting Chief Medical Director of FTHL for his efforts and urged him to collaborate with NARD in their pursuit of justice for the dismissed doctors.
