The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a final deadline to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide resident doctors strike from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, if outstanding welfare and professional demands are not satisfactorily addressed. The warning followed resolutions reached at the association’s July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Gombe.
The communique, made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday night, 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 decision followed an assessment of previous agreements and engagements with the Federal Government.
NARD acknowledged that the government had successfully disbursed the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors. However, it said several other issues affecting doctors’ welfare and professional conditions remained unresolved, prompting the latest ultimatum.
“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 communique before the expiration of the stipulated timeline.”
Among the association’s concerns are 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. NARD also raised concerns about delayed salaries, unpaid arrears, internship placement bottlenecks and lengthy onboarding processes affecting house officers.
The association further condemned what it described as persistent assault, harassment, intimidation and violent attacks against doctors while performing their duties. It called for urgent legislation to criminalise assaults on healthcare workers nationwide.
NARD also said negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement remained unsatisfactory. It urged authorities to accelerate its conclusion, signing and implementation while calling on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement recommendations addressing excessive workloads, prolonged call duty hours, casualisation of medical doctors and abusive locum appointments.
Beyond remuneration, the doctors demanded improved public health infrastructure, modern medical equipment, better facility maintenance, uninterrupted electricity and improved working conditions. It also called for increased investment in healthcare, stronger primary healthcare services, accelerated universal health coverage and adequate recruitment and retention of healthcare personnel.
“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 association also urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the Professional Allowance Table and settle outstanding CONMESS review arrears and other entitlements.
NARD commended the Federal Government for the 2026 MRTF disbursement and acknowledged interventions by relevant authorities in resolving manpower and industrial disputes. It also praised the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for improvements in doctors’ welfare and working conditions.
The latest ultimatum follows an earlier 21-day warning issued by NARD, which was extended by four weeks at its June E-NEC meeting. The association had warned that failure to resolve the outstanding issues would trigger industrial action.
