The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued what it described as its final ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that resident doctors across the country will embark on a total and comprehensive nationwide strike from August 10 if longstanding welfare and professional issues remain unresolved.
The decision was reached at the association’s July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which commenced on Sunday in Gombe.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
According to the association, the ultimatum followed a review of previous engagements with the Federal Government and an assessment of the implementation of earlier resolutions.
While acknowledging progress in some areas, the resident doctors said government response to several critical issues had remained unsatisfactory.
NARD noted that the Federal Government had successfully disbursed the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors, describing the move as a positive development.
However, it maintained that numerous unresolved welfare concerns continued to affect doctors working in federal health institutions across the country.
“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.
Among its key demands, NARD called for the immediate payment of outstanding arrears arising from the 25 and 35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), as well as the settlement of 19 months’ professional allowance arrears and promotion arrears owed to resident doctors in several federal health institutions.
The association also expressed concern over the persistent welfare challenges confronting house officers, including delayed salary payments, unpaid arrears, internship placement bottlenecks and prolonged onboarding processes, warning that these issues continue to undermine morale within the country’s healthcare system.
NARD strongly condemned the growing cases of assault, intimidation, harassment and violent attacks on doctors while on duty, describing such incidents as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
It called on the National Assembly to urgently enact legislation criminalising attacks on healthcare workers across Nigeria.
The doctors further criticised the slow pace of negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement, urging the Federal Government to fast-track its conclusion, signing and implementation.
They also asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to conclude the work of the ministerial committee investigating excessive workload, prolonged call duty hours, casualisation of medical doctors and abusive locum appointments, and immediately implement its recommendations.
Beyond salary-related issues, the association urged the government to rehabilitate public healthcare facilities nationwide through the provision of modern medical equipment, improved maintenance of hospitals, uninterrupted electricity supply and better working conditions for healthcare professionals.
NARD also appealed to both the Federal and State Governments to increase investment in the health sector by strengthening primary healthcare services, accelerating the implementation of universal health coverage and recruiting and retaining adequate healthcare personnel to address manpower shortages.
While reiterating its preference for dialogue, the association stressed that the welfare of resident doctors and the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system could no longer be compromised.
“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 stated.
The association equally called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the approved Professional Allowance Table and settle outstanding CONMESS review arrears and other entitlements owed to doctors working within the territory.
Despite its grievances, NARD commended the Federal Government for disbursing the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, praised the Federal Character Commission for resolving manpower challenges through the timely issuance of compliance letters, and acknowledged the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in resolving the industrial dispute involving resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife.
The association also applauded the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for improving doctors’ welfare, strengthening health infrastructure, supporting manpower development and creating better working conditions for healthcare professionals in their respective states.
The latest ultimatum follows an earlier decision by NARD in June to extend by four weeks a previous 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unresolved welfare and professional concerns.
The association had warned at the time that failure to substantially address the outstanding issues would trigger the process leading to nationwide industrial action.
(The Sun)