The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding demands on salaries, allowances and working conditions.
The decision was reached at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe between July 26 and July 31, where members expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as the slow implementation of previous agreements with the government.
Doctors List Outstanding Demands
In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, and Secretary, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association demanded the immediate payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears and the settlement of 19 months of Professional Allowance (PAT) arrears.
The doctors also called for the payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears in several federal health institutions, the inclusion of all eligible resident doctors in the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), prompt payment of House Officers’ salaries and improved welfare across public hospitals.
They further raised concerns over poor working conditions in some hospitals, including the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), citing issues such as unfinished residential quarters for doctors, the withdrawal of call-duty meals and other welfare challenges.
Strike Deadline Set for August 10
NARD noted that it had repeatedly extended earlier ultimatums to allow room for dialogue but regretted that many of its demands remain unresolved.
The association warned that failure to implement the agreements before August 10 would leave it with no option but to commence a total and comprehensive nationwide strike.
Concern Over Healthcare System
The association also expressed concern over increasing assaults on healthcare workers and the continued loss of medical professionals to other countries, urging the government to improve welfare and working conditions to curb the growing brain drain.
If the strike proceeds as scheduled, services in teaching hospitals and federal medical centres across the country are expected to be severely affected, with patients likely to experience significant disruptions.
As of Thursday, there was no official response from the Federal Ministry of Health or the Federal Government announcing fresh payments or a resolution of the issues raised by the association.
