The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected recent claims by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that 19 out of 20 issues raised by striking doctors have been addressed. In a statement on Thursday, the association described the ministry’s announcement as “inaccurate” and “misleading,” accusing the government of misrepresenting the progress of ongoing negotiations.

The ministry had previously stated that significant progress had been made on key demands, including a 25–35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowances, with some disbursements reportedly reflected in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

NARD, however, countered that none of these 19 core demands have been “fully or verifiably met.” The association insisted that what the ministry described as progress were, in reality, unfulfilled promises, uncommenced payments, and the formation of committees—“a familiar cycle of delay and deception that prompted this strike in the first place,” according to the statement signed by NARD President Dr Mohammad Suleiman and other executive members.

The association highlighted that no member has received the reviewed CONMESS payments or the 2024 accoutrement allowances, emphasizing that “an announcement of intent is not a substitute for a credited salary.” NARD also criticized the ministry’s ongoing compilation of outstanding salaries and allowances at several federal hospitals, describing it as evidence of “a crippling lack of urgency and implementation.”

On issues of manpower shortages and alleged casualisation, NARD dismissed the creation of committees as a bureaucratic delay tactic. The association reiterated its demand for the immediate reinstatement of five doctors disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, alongside the implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy to reduce burnout among medical staff.

Regarding the government’s claim that NARD refused to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the association said it would not endorse any agreement lacking clear, binding, and time-bound deliverables.

“The strike will persist until our minimum demands, which constitute the barest minimum for a dignified and sustainable medical practice in Nigeria, are met,” the statement said. Key demands include full payment of arrears and corrected professional allowances, reinstatement of disengaged doctors with compensation, and resolution of all pending welfare issues.

NARD concluded by urging the government to prioritize concrete actions over public statements, warning that the nation’s healthcare stability remains at risk.