By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government (FG) has explained why it has not been able to meet all the demands of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), amid ongoing disputes over pay and working conditions.

According to the government, some of the doctors’ requests are limited by existing policies and civil service rules, which cannot be overridden.

The FG emphasized that resident doctors are still considered specialists-in-training, which affects eligibility for certain allowances that are reserved for consultants.

The government also highlighted its ongoing efforts to improve health workers’ welfare, including a ₦90 billion annual increase in professional allowances, negotiated across all health worker groups. Officials reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue with NARD to resolve outstanding issues.

However, NARD insists that many of its demands remain unmet, and it rejects the government’s claims about progress.

The association says no clear implementation plan has been shared and warns that it may sustain industrial action if solutions are not agreed upon.

This development comes amid a series of disputes between the FG and resident doctors, who have previously threatened strikes over welfare, pay, and working conditions