Resident doctors across Nigeria will no longer be required to perform 24-hour marathon call duties, following a policy change that takes effect today, October 1, 2025.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) confirmed the development after reaching an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN). The new directive limits doctors’ shifts to a maximum of 12 hours, with structured handover systems to ensure continuity of care.
NARD President, Dr. Dele Abdullahi, said the reform was long overdue, stressing that marathon shifts were unsafe for both doctors and patients. “Today marks a turning point in the practice of medicine in Nigeria. Our members will no longer be subjected to 24-hour call duties that compromise patient safety and the wellbeing of doctors,” he said.
The 24-hour call system has been a longstanding feature of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, particularly in teaching hospitals and tertiary health centres, where resident doctors form the backbone of clinical services. However, critics argue that prolonged shifts contribute to medical errors, burnout, and poor quality of care.
READ ALSO: 10 Historic Landmarks in Nigeria That Tell the Nation’s Story
Under the new arrangement, hospitals are required to introduce shift-based scheduling, with proper staffing to cover emergencies. The Federal Ministry of Health said it would monitor compliance and provide additional funding to address manpower shortages.
Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, welcomed the development, describing it as “a progressive reform in line with global best practices.” He added that the policy would make Nigeria’s health system more humane, while encouraging young doctors to remain in the country rather than seek opportunities abroad.
Patient rights groups and civil society organisations have applauded the move. “For years, patients have been at risk from exhausted doctors. This reform will save lives,” said Chioma Okonkwo, coordinator of the Health Equity Network.
Nonetheless, concerns remain about implementation, especially in understaffed facilities where resident doctors often carry most of the workload. NARD has urged state governments and hospital management boards to recruit more doctors and improve working conditions to make the reform sustainable.
The decision comes after years of agitation by resident doctors, who staged multiple strikes over welfare, training, and workload. By ending 24-hour marathon calls, Nigeria joins other countries that have phased out excessively long shifts in medical training.
“This is not just about doctors, it is about building a safer health system for Nigerians,” Dr. Abdullahi emphasised.