The North-Central caucus of the Association of Resident Doctors has called for the immediate reinstatement of their colleagues who were sacked from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Kogi State. The doctors were dismissed due to allegations of unauthorized protest and union activities, which the caucus leader, Dr. Fanen Dogoh, described as unjust.
At a news conference in Abuja, Dr. Dogoh stated that several committees had recommended the reinstatement of the affected doctors, but the government has failed to act despite a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors. The caucus is also concerned about unpaid allowances and arrears owed to resident doctors across several federal institutions, including those in Makurdi, Benue State, and Ilorin, Kwara State.
The resident doctors are owed 18 months’ arrears and other allowances, prompting the caucus to urge the Federal Government to address these issues urgently. Dr. Dogoh warned that failure to do so could lead to a total shutdown of resident doctors’ services nationwide, with a strike planned for January 12 if the government fails to honor the Memorandum of Understanding.
The association is also seeking payment at the entry point of doctors and respect for the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which has stalled. Dr. Dogoh noted that some outstanding allowances and arrears have not been captured in the 2026 budget, describing this as a clear sign of neglect. He warned that continued inaction could result in the country losing a significant number of its medical workforce.
Dr. Kwarshak Kelvin, Vice President II of the National Association of Resident Doctors, echoed these concerns, calling on the Federal Government to address the welfare concerns of resident doctors to avoid a total shutdown of the health system. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene promptly, expressing uncertainty about whether accurate information about doctors’ welfare is reaching him.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare has been urged to transmit promotion arrears for doctors in federal hospitals to the appropriate authorities. Discussions are ongoing, but delays have stalled the process. The professional allowance table released in November 2025 has not been implemented, resulting in 18 months of arrears. The government has not written to the Budget Office to capture this in the 2026 budget, effectively halting the process.
The situation highlights the need for urgent attention to the welfare concerns of resident doctors to prevent a shutdown of the health system. The Federal Government must address these issues to prevent a strike and ensure the stability of the healthcare sector.
