The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide total and comprehensive industrial strike from Aug. 10 if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding welfare and professional demands.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which began on Sunday in Gombe. The communiqué was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The association said the resolution followed a review of previous engagements with the Federal Government, expressing dissatisfaction over what it described as the slow implementation of agreements on critical issues affecting resident doctors.
Although NARD commended the Federal Government for successfully disbursing the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors, it said several pressing welfare concerns remain unresolved.
“The NEC resolved to embark on a Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, should the Federal Government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues contained in this communiqué before the expiration of the stipulated timeline,” the association stated.
NARD expressed concern over the delay in the payment of the outstanding 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review arrears, 19 months’ Professional Allowance arrears, and promotion arrears owed to doctors in several federal health institutions.
The association also decried persistent welfare challenges facing house officers, including delayed salary payments, unpaid arrears, internship placement bottlenecks and prolonged onboarding processes.
It further condemned what it described as the increasing assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks on doctors while on duty, calling for urgent legislation to criminalise assaults against healthcare workers across the country.
NARD also criticised the slow pace of negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to conclude discussions and implement the agreement without further delay.
The association called on the ministry to conclude the work of its committee on excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of medical doctors and abusive locum appointments, and immediately implement its recommendations.
It also demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding salary and promotion arrears, resolution of welfare issues affecting house officers, and improved funding for public healthcare institutions through the provision of modern equipment, reliable electricity and better working conditions.
According to the association, both the Federal and State Governments should increase investment in healthcare, strengthen primary healthcare services, accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage and recruit and retain more healthcare professionals.
“The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue but reiterated that the welfare of resident doctors and the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system remain non-negotiable,” the communiqué added.
NARD also urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the approved Professional Allowance Table and settle all outstanding CONMESS review arrears and other entitlements owed to doctors.
The association, however, commended the Federal Government for releasing the 2026 MRTF, the Federal Character Commission for resolving manpower challenges through timely issuance of compliance letters, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for intervening in the industrial dispute involving resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife.
It also praised the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for improving doctors’ welfare, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding manpower development and enhancing working conditions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that NARD had, at its June electronic NEC meeting, extended by four weeks an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, warning that it would commence the process leading to industrial action if its demands remained unmet.
source: NAN
