The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and extended its deadline by four weeks for the implementation of its outstanding demands, warning that a nationwide strike could follow if the issues remain unresolved.
The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday to review developments after the expiration of its earlier 21-day ultimatum.
In a communiqué issued on Sunday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association said it could no longer guarantee industrial peace beyond the new four-week deadline unless its demands are fully addressed.
NARD also directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for possible industrial action if the government fails to make satisfactory progress within the stipulated period.
The association accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of neglecting commitments on doctors’ welfare, including delays in the payment of salaries, allowances, and other outstanding entitlements.
It also lamented the non-release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), despite repeated assurances, describing the continued delays in welfare payments as unbearable for doctors.
In addition, NARD raised concerns over the alleged victimisation of its members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, and condemned moves by the hospital’s management to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, despite existing government directives.
While acknowledging progress in tackling assaults on healthcare workers and welfare interventions by some state governments and private institutions, the association maintained that implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government remains slow and unsatisfactory.
Among its key demands are the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of outstanding salary, promotion and professional allowance arrears, and stronger protection for healthcare workers.
NARD said it will assess the government’s level of compliance with its resolutions during its July 2026 National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold in Gombe State.
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