The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide indefinite industrial action from August 10, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands on outstanding salaries, allowances and other welfare issues.
The decision was reached at the association's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe between July 26 and 31, where members expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the slow implementation of agreements previously reached with the government.
In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, and Secretary, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association warned that it would commence a total and comprehensive strike by 8 a.m. on Monday, August 10, should the government fail to address the outstanding issues before the deadline.
According to the doctors, the planned industrial action remains avoidable if the government demonstrates genuine commitment to resolving the lingering welfare concerns through dialogue and prompt implementation of existing agreements.
Among its key demands, the association called for the immediate payment of outstanding arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary adjustment, settlement of 19 months' Professional Allowance arrears, payment of salary and promotion arrears, and the inclusion of all eligible resident doctors omitted from the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
NARD also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement recommendations of the ministerial committee established to address excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and the abuse of locum appointments.
The association expressed concern over the lingering dispute at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), alleging that resident doctors continued to face intimidation by the hospital's management and were being denied call-duty meals.
It insisted that unresolved issues at the hospital should be addressed before the expiration of its ultimatum to avert the proposed nationwide strike.
Beyond welfare issues, NARD condemned the increasing attacks, harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers across the country, describing the trend as unacceptable.
The association called for the development of a national protocol for preventing and responding to assaults on healthcare workers and urged the government to enact legislation criminalising attacks on medical personnel.
It also decried the poor state of public healthcare infrastructure, calling for urgent investment in modern medical equipment, diagnostic facilities, reliable electricity supply and improved working conditions in public hospitals.
According to the association, inadequate funding, shortage of healthcare professionals and rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to limit access to quality medical services for millions of Nigerians.
NARD therefore urged both the Federal and State Governments to increase funding for the health sector, strengthen primary healthcare services, accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage and recruit more healthcare workers to bridge existing manpower gaps.
The association further appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the approved Professional Allowance Table, correct doctors' salary entry level and settle outstanding CONMESS review arrears and other allowances.
It also called on the Kaduna State Government to fully implement the revised Professional Allowance Table from August 2026.
In addition, NARD urged the managements of the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri; Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex; and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital to urgently resolve outstanding salary and welfare issues affecting resident doctors.
Despite its grievances, the association commended the Federal Government for the successful disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund to eligible beneficiaries.
It also praised the governments of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for improving doctors' welfare, remuneration, healthcare infrastructure and manpower development.
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