The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its strike deadline by four weeks, warning that it could begin a nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding demands.
The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday to review developments following 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 declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government.
NARD warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the newly approved four-week window if its demands remain unmet. The association also directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for possible industrial action should the government fail to show satisfactory progress within the deadline.
The resident doctors accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to honour agreements on doctors’ welfare, including the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances and other entitlements.
A major concern raised by the association is the continued delay in releasing the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) despite repeated assurances from the government.
“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 condemned the alleged victimisation of its members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) in Ile-Ife. It further criticised efforts by the hospital’s management to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, despite existing government directives against the practice.
While acknowledging progress in tackling assaults on healthcare workers and the implementation of some welfare measures by certain state governments and private institutions, NARD said the Federal Government’s overall implementation of previous agreements 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.
The association said it will assess the government’s level of compliance during its July 2026 National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold in Gombe State.
