The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at the University of Port Harcourt has joined its national body in demanding the full implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government, threatening to resume a nationwide strike despite a court injunction.
The MoU, which stems from NARD’s 19-point demands, addresses critical issues affecting resident doctors across Nigeria, including welfare, remuneration, and professional practice conditions.
On Friday, Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Abuja, issued an order restraining NARD and its members from embarking on the strike originally scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026.
The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), led by the Director of Civil Litigation at the Ministry of Justice, Maimuna Lami Shiru.
At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, NARD UniPort President, Dr. Ezinne Kalu, expressed disappointment that the federal government had failed to implement the MoU despite the union suspending its strike in November 2025.
“We suspended our strike in November last year on the understanding that the MoU signed by NARD would be implemented by the federal government. Unfortunately, this has not happened,” Dr. Kalu said.
Following a meeting of the National Executive Council (E-NEC) on January 2, 2026, NARD reviewed government feedback and assessed compliance with the commitments made to the union. A communiqué signed by National President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, General Secretary Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim highlighted serious concerns, including:
Redeployment of five disengaged resident doctors of Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, contrary to committee recommendations
Delays in processing promotions and salary arrears
Partial implementation of the Professional Allowance Table
Ambiguity in entry-level placements
Continued exclusion from Specialist Allowance payments
Delayed House Officers’ salaries
Re-categorisation issues with membership certificates
Slow regulation of locum engagements
Prolonged working hours
Stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement processes
Unpaid salaries and allowances across multiple institutions
Unresolved arrears affecting approximately 40% of members
Deteriorating infrastructure and outdated equipment
Delays in Special Pension Benefits and other previously agreed demands
The National Executive Council demanded immediate government action, including:
Reinstatement of the five Lokoja doctors
Payment of all arrears
Full implementation of the Professional Allowance Table
Clarification on entry-level placements
Payment of Specialist Allowances
Settlement of House Officers’ salaries
The council warned that failure to implement these agreements would force the union to resume an indefinite strike from 12:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, directing members across the nation’s 91 tertiary health institutions to withdraw services until the Federal and affected State Governments demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing the demands.
NARD also instructed its leadership nationwide to coordinate peaceful protests if the federal government fails to act.
The union expressed appreciation to government officials and institutions for their support, including Didi Esther Wilson-Jack, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health; Alh. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment; and Chief Wale Edun, Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance.
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