The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, giving authorities a fresh four-week deadline to address its outstanding demands or face a nationwide industrial action.
The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually to review developments following the expiration of its earlier 21-day ultimatum.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new deadline if its demands remain unmet.
NARD also directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for possible industrial action should the Federal Government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period.
The association expressed dissatisfaction over the continued non-payment of doctors’ salaries, allowances and other entitlements, including the delayed disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), House Officers’ salaries, the 25/35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears and 19 months of outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.
The resident doctors also raised concerns over the alleged victimisation of members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), opposed the proposed reintroduction of bench fees in some private tertiary health institutions, and criticised the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for the continued non-provision of call meals for doctors on duty.
Despite the grievances, NARD acknowledged progress in ongoing efforts to address workplace violence against healthcare workers and commended some state governments and private health institutions for implementing improved welfare packages.
The association, however, maintained that the Federal Government’s implementation of previously agreed commitments remains slow and inadequate.
NARD said it would review the government’s level of compliance at its July 2026 National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold in Gombe State.
