By George Omagbemi
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced new recommended work-hour guidelines aimed at reducing burnout, fatigue and excessive workloads among healthcare workers while improving patient safety.
The recommendations were announced on Monday, August 17, 2026, following deliberations by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Ministerial Committee on Work Hour Regulation and Casualisation of Doctors. The committee’s nationwide assessment covered 6,350 healthcare personnel across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Under the proposed framework, healthcare personnel would work a maximum of 48 hours per week, including weekends, while continuous duty would be limited to 24 hours.
NARD also recommended a maximum of two call duties per week and no more than one weekend call per month. Workers should receive at least 12 hours of rest between regular shifts and a mandatory 24-hour post-call rest period.
The guidelines further provide for a minimum one-hour break after six hours of continuous work.
Any authorised overtime must be properly documented and adequately compensated or offset through structured time off.
NARD said the recommendations have been forwarded to medical directors and chief medical directors for implementation across health institutions.
The association urged hospital managements to ensure compliance and encouraged its members to document and report violations.
NARD said the guidelines are intended to protect healthcare workers from exhaustion while ensuring that patients receive safer and more effective care.
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