Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its ultimatum to the Federal Government by another four weeks, warning that it will proceed with nationwide industrial action if longstanding welfare and professional demands are not addressed, Prime Business Africa reports.
The decision was reached at the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on June 27, 2026, following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum earlier issued after its May Ordinary General Meeting.
In a communiqué released on Sunday, NARD said it had formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over unresolved issues affecting resident doctors nationwide, a development that could further disrupt healthcare services if negotiations fail.
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The association said the fresh four-week window, which expires at its next National Executive Council meeting scheduled for July 26–31 in Gombe State, represents the government’s final opportunity to avert a nationwide strike.
The communiqué, signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, warned that the association could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the deadline if its demands remained unmet.
Among the unresolved issues are the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), persistent delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries and entitlements, unpaid promotion and salary arrears, outstanding 19 months’ Professional Allowance (PAT) arrears, and the delayed payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears.
NARD also raised concerns over what it described as the continued victimisation of resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, the refusal of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) management to provide call meals for doctors on duty, and attempts by the OAUTHC management to reintroduce bench fees despite an existing circular abolishing the practice.
The association, however, acknowledged progress made by ministerial committees on assaults against healthcare workers and on excessive workload, prolonged call hours, casualisation of doctors and abusive locum appointments, but insisted that the recommendations of the committees must be implemented without further delay.
It demanded the immediate disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, payment of all outstanding salary, promotion and professional allowance arrears, implementation of the reviewed CONMESS salary structure, and settlement of welfare entitlements owed to resident doctors in federal, state and private tertiary health institutions.
NARD also called for the accelerated conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), describing it as critical to improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening healthcare delivery.
The association warned hospital managements that continue to deny doctors call meals while on duty that they would be held responsible for any industrial disharmony arising from the practice.
It further cautioned against the continued intimidation and victimisation of resident doctors at OAUTHC, saying it would take all necessary steps to defend the welfare and professional rights of its members.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, NARD directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for industrial action should the Federal Government fail to substantially comply with its demands within the extended timeline.
The association urged the Federal Government to use the four-week reprieve to resolve the outstanding issues, warning that failure to do so could trigger another nationwide doctors’ strike, with significant implications for healthcare delivery across the country.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
