By Stephen Simon
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and issued a fresh four-week ultimatum for the resolution of its outstanding demands, warning that it may embark on a nationwide strike if the issues remain unresolved.
The decision was reached at the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually following the expiration of an earlier 21-day ultimatum. The association said the fresh notice was intended to give the government another opportunity to address the issues before industrial action becomes inevitable.
In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association expressed dissatisfaction with what it described as the government’s slow response to its demands.
NARD is demanding the immediate payment of outstanding salaries and allowances owed to its members, implementation of previous agreements reached with the government, prompt release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, and improved welfare for resident doctors across federal and state-owned health institutions.
The association warned that continued delays in addressing these concerns could further weaken the country’s healthcare system, stressing that poor welfare conditions have contributed to the migration of medical professionals and increased pressure on those still serving in Nigeria.
It said the four-week window should be used by the Federal Government to engage with the association and implement concrete measures to resolve the outstanding issues, noting that failure to do so could trigger a nationwide strike at the expiration of the ultimatum.
NARD reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue but maintained that it would not hesitate to take appropriate industrial action if its demands remain unmet. It urged the government to act swiftly in the interest of patients, healthcare workers and the nation’s health sector.
