The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to commence a total and comprehensive nationwide strike on August 10 if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding welfare and professional demands.
The association disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of its July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which began on Sunday in Gombe.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the communiqué, made available on Thursday, was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
NARD said the decision followed a review of the implementation of its previous resolutions and engagements with the Federal Government.
The association expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of government action on several issues affecting resident doctors.
Although it commended the Federal Government for disbursing the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors, NARD said several critical demands remained 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 said.
NARD expressed concern over delays in the payment of the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review arrears, 19 months of Professional Allowance arrears, and promotion arrears owed to doctors in several federal health institutions.
The association also highlighted persistent welfare challenges affecting house officers, including delayed salary payments, unpaid arrears, internship placement bottlenecks, and prolonged onboarding processes.
It described the persistent assault, harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks against doctors while on duty as “barbaric and unacceptable”, and called for urgent legislative measures to criminalise assaults on healthcare workers nationwide.
NARD said negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement remained unsatisfactory and urged the accelerated conclusion, signing, and implementation of the agreement.
The association also called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to conclude the work of the ministerial committee on excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, the casualisation of medical doctors, and abusive locum appointments, and to immediately implement the committee’s recommendations.
It further demanded the payment of all outstanding salary and promotion arrears across federal health institutions and urged the government to resolve the welfare challenges affecting house officers.
NARD also called for the rehabilitation and upgrading of public health infrastructure nationwide through the provision of modern medical equipment, improved maintenance of health facilities, uninterrupted electricity supply, and better working conditions for healthcare workers.
According to the association, 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 adequate 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 said.
NARD also urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the Professional Allowance Table and settle outstanding CONMESS review arrears and other entitlements owed to doctors.
The association, however, commended the Federal Government for disbursing the 2026 MRTF to eligible resident doctors.
It also commended the Federal Character Commission for addressing manpower challenges through the 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.
NARD further commended the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers, and Plateau states for improving doctors’ welfare, health infrastructure, manpower development, and working conditions.
The association had, at its electronic National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting in June, extended by four weeks an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unresolved welfare and professional concerns.
NARD warned that it would activate the process leading to industrial action if the government failed to substantially address the issues within the additional four-week period.
