Resident doctors under the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, have issued a strike ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a nationwide industrial action if unresolved welfare concerns are not addressed before August 10, 2026.
The association said it may commence a total and comprehensive strike from 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, following what it described as delays in implementing agreements reached with the government.
The warning was contained in a communiqué released after NARD’s National Executive Council meeting held in Gombe between July 26 and 31.
Signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, and Secretary, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, the communiqué expressed dissatisfaction with outstanding issues affecting resident doctors, while reaffirming the association’s preference for dialogue.
Among its major demands are the payment of outstanding arrears from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review, 19 months of Professional Allowance arrears, unpaid salaries and promotion arrears, as well as the inclusion of eligible doctors left out of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
NARD also called for urgent action on concerns over excessive workload, prolonged call hours, casualisation of doctors and alleged abuse of locum appointments.
The association specifically demanded intervention in the ongoing dispute at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, alleging intimidation of resident doctors and failure to provide call-duty meals.
Beyond welfare concerns, NARD raised alarm over increasing attacks against healthcare workers, calling for stronger protection measures, including a national protocol to prevent and respond to assaults on medical personnel.
It also urged government at all levels to improve the condition of public health facilities through increased funding, upgraded infrastructure, modern medical equipment and better working conditions.
The doctors said inadequate healthcare financing, shortage of personnel and rising medical costs were limiting access to quality healthcare for many Nigerians.
NARD further appealed to the FCT Administration and state governments to address outstanding professional allowances and salary-related issues affecting doctors, while calling on several teaching hospitals and medical centres to resolve welfare disputes involving resident doctors.
However, the association acknowledged recent progress, commending the Federal Government for the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund and praising some state governments for improvements in doctors’ welfare and healthcare development.
NARD said it remains open to engagement but warned that failure to resolve the outstanding issues before the deadline would leave it with no option than to begin nationwide industrial action.
