The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, issuing a fresh four-week deadline for the resolution of its outstanding demands and warning that a nationwide strike may follow if the issues remain unaddressed.
The decision was taken at an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, following the expiration of a previous 21-day ultimatum. In a communiqué jointly signed by President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association said it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new window.
“NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments,” the communiqué stated. The association also mandated its National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary processes in preparation for industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period.
Among the unresolved issues cited are the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund despite repeated government assurances, persistent delays in House Officers’ salaries across several centres, non-payment of the 25/35 percent CONMESS upward review arrears, and 19 months of outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.
NARD also raised concerns over the alleged victimisation of its members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, condemned attempts by the hospital’s management to reintroduce bench fees despite a government circular abolishing the practice, and criticised the Lagos University Teaching Hospital for refusing to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty. The association warned that any hospital failing to provide that entitlement would be held responsible for any resulting industrial disharmony.
Despite its grievances, NARD acknowledged some progress, commending state governments and private tertiary institutions that had implemented welfare measures including payment of Professional Allowance arrears and disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund. It also noted the near completion of ministerial committee reports on workplace violence, excessive workload, and casualisation of doctors.
The association’s key demands include the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of all outstanding salary and allowance arrears, full implementation of the reviewed CONMESS salary structure, and accelerated implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement.
