The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has rejected a recent circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission that revised allowances for Medical and Dental Officers in federal service.
Dated June 27, 2025, the circular (referenced SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) has sparked backlash from several medical bodies, including the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN).
In a statement signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara and Secretary-General Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the association described the circular as disorganized and out of touch with the realities faced by Nigerian doctors. They said the new structure does not reflect the needs of the medical workforce and contradicts the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration.
NARD condemned the circular as a sign of continued disregard for doctors who work under difficult conditions, including staff shortages, poor infrastructure, and heavy workloads.
This rejection follows the NMA’s earlier warning to the Federal Government, demanding a reversal of the circular within 21 days and calling for the fulfillment of other demands to prevent disruption in the health sector.
