The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared the growing wave of kidnappings, assaults and violent attacks against medical personnel a national emergency, warning that continued inaction could push the country’s fragile healthcare system closer to collapse.
At the end of its Ordinary General Meeting in Kano, the association issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to begin concrete steps toward protecting healthcare workers nationwide. The doctors also declared an industrial dispute over what they described as unresolved welfare, security and manpower concerns affecting the health sector.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, expressed deep concern over what he called the disturbing increase in attacks on doctors while carrying out their professional duties, noting that healthcare workers are increasingly becoming targets of violence, intimidation, harassment and abduction across the country.
According to the association, the deteriorating security situation has created fear among medical professionals and worsened the already critical shortage of healthcare workers, as many continue to leave the country in search of safer working environments.
The resident doctors demanded the immediate investigation, arrest and prosecution of those responsible for attacks on healthcare workers and urged security agencies to strengthen protection around hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities.
As part of its demands, NARD called for the development and implementation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol and urged the government to initiate legislative measures aimed at safeguarding medical personnel.
Beyond security concerns, the association also pressed for the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears, settlement of professional allowance debts, and urgent recruitment of healthcare workers to address severe manpower shortages.
The doctors warned that Nigeria’s healthcare sector is under immense pressure from a combination of insecurity, workforce depletion and poor welfare conditions, stressing that attacks on medical personnel threaten not only doctors but also millions of citizens who depend on the country’s overstretched health system.
While acknowledging some interventions by state governments, the association maintained that the Federal Government must act decisively within the 21-day window.
Failure to do so, NARD warned, could trigger further industrial action, a development that may disrupt healthcare services across the country and deepen the challenges facing patients already struggling to access quality medical care.
The ultimatum comes amid growing national concern over insecurity and a rising number of reported attacks on healthcare workers, further highlighting the wider security crisis confronting the nation.