By Precious Mark
Significant progress has been recorded in the long-delayed recruitment of healthcare workers across 12 Federal Tertiary Health Institutions in Nigeria, following targeted advocacy by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
This was disclosed in an official statement issued by the NARD Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.
According to the association, the Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Motunrayo Hulayat Omidiran, has officially directed the Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of the affected hospitals to report to the commission’s headquarters to collect their Letters of Compliance.
The FCC also instructed the CMDs to immediately fulfill all outstanding administrative requirements necessary to issue formal appointment letters to the incoming healthcare professionals.
The development follows a recent resolution at NARD’s Ordinary General Meeting, where the association issued a strict 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding an immediate resolution to the employment bottlenecks holding up staffing at federal health institutions.
In light of the FCC’s directive, NARD leadership has urged its local chapters in the affected hospitals to maintain close follow-ups with their respective management teams to ensure the swift collection of compliance letters and the rapid completion of the recruitment process.
The association also commended the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Afekhide Ernest Omoti, praising his timely intervention and direct engagement with the FCC leadership, which proved pivotal in breaking the administrative deadlock.
NARD noted that the breakthrough underscores how strategic dialogue, professional unity, and consistent advocacy remain essential instruments for improving doctors’ welfare and addressing systemic manpower shortages within the Nigerian healthcare delivery system.