The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced proposed new work-hour regulations aimed at reducing excessive workloads, fatigue and burnout among healthcare workers across Nigeria.
Under the proposed framework, healthcare personnel would work a maximum of 48 hours per week, including weekends, while any authorised hours beyond the limit would have to be properly compensated.
The recommendations were announced by NARD on Sunday, August 16, following deliberations by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Ministerial Committee on Work Hour Regulation and Casualisation of Doctors.
24-hour limit for continuous duty
One of the key recommendations is a maximum of 24 hours for continuous duty.
The proposed guidelines also provide for an eight-hour day shift and a six-hour afternoon shift. Shifts lasting beyond 12 hours would only be permitted in emergency situations.
NARD further recommended that healthcare personnel should undertake no more than two call duties per week, including weekend calls, with a maximum of one weekend call each month.
Nationwide assessment identifies concerns
According to NARD, the recommendations followed a nationwide assessment involving 6,350 healthcare personnel across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The assessment identified excessive working hours, inadequate rest, fatigue and burnout as significant concerns among healthcare workers.
The association said these conditions could also have implications for patient safety, particularly when exhausted medical personnel are required to make critical decisions or provide prolonged care.
Why work hours matter in healthcare
Healthcare professionals often work under demanding conditions, particularly in public hospitals where staffing shortages can increase the workload placed on available personnel.
Long and continuous shifts can leave workers physically and mentally exhausted. For doctors and other medical personnel responsible for emergency care, surgery, diagnosis and other critical services, adequate rest is important for maintaining concentration and reducing the risk of errors.
NARD’s proposed regulations are therefore aimed not only at improving workers’ welfare but also at supporting safer healthcare delivery.
Overtime would require compensation
Under the proposed framework, healthcare workers who are authorised to work beyond the 48-hour weekly limit would be entitled to appropriate compensation.
This provision is intended to ensure that unavoidable additional duties, particularly during emergencies, are properly recognised rather than becoming a routine expectation.
The association’s recommendations also seek to establish clearer boundaries around call duties and shift lengths.
Possible impact on hospitals
Implementing the proposed limits could have implications for hospitals that depend heavily on resident doctors and other healthcare personnel working extended shifts.
Healthcare facilities may need to review staffing arrangements, strengthen shift planning and ensure adequate numbers of personnel are available to maintain services without repeatedly exceeding recommended working hours.
For hospitals already facing shortages of medical staff, implementing shorter shifts could create additional pressure unless accompanied by improved recruitment and workforce planning.
Patient safety remains central
NARD’s announcement comes amid wider concerns about working conditions in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
The association said its assessment showed that excessive workloads and inadequate rest were issues requiring urgent attention.
The proposed work-hour limits are therefore being presented as part of efforts to create a healthier working environment while protecting patients who depend on medical professionals for safe and effective care.
Next steps
The recommendations are expected to contribute to ongoing discussions on the regulation of work hours and working conditions for healthcare personnel in Nigeria.
The success of any new framework will depend on effective implementation, adequate staffing and cooperation among government authorities, hospital management and healthcare professionals.
For medical workers, the proposed 48-hour weekly limit and 24-hour continuous-duty cap could represent a significant change in working conditions if fully implemented.
For patients, the broader objective is to ensure that healthcare professionals are able to provide care while adequately rested, supported and protected from the effects of excessive workloads.
