The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it will embark on a nationwide strike from August 10 if the federal government fails to address its demands.
In a communiqué issued after its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Gombe, the association said the demands include the payment of salary and allowance arrears, as well as the resolution of welfare issues affecting doctors across federal health institutions.
The communiqué was signed by Mohammad Suleiman, NARD president; Shuaibu Ibrahim, secretary-general; and Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, publicity and social secretary, on Thursday.
NARD said the decision was reached after its members reviewed the implementation of previous agreements with the federal government and expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of compliance.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to embark on a total and comprehensive industrial strike (TICS), commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, should the federal government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues contained in this communiqué before the expiration of the stipulated timeline.
“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.”
NARD demanded the immediate payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review arrears, 19 months’ professional allowance arrears, and outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal health institutions.
The association also called for the accelerated conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), as well as the resolution of welfare challenges affecting house officers.
NARD gave the federal government until August 10 to resolve the ongoing crisis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), alleging persistent intimidation of resident doctors by the hospital management and the refusal to provide call-duty meals despite repeated engagements.
The resident doctors also urged the federal government to implement measures to protect healthcare workers from assault, pay omitted beneficiaries of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), improve healthcare infrastructure nationwide, and recruit more health personnel to strengthen service delivery.
NARD has repeatedly threatened a nationwide strike over the alleged breach of agreements by the federal government.
