NARD Declares Industrial Dispute, Gives FG Four-Week Ultimatum To Avert Doctors Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and issued a fresh four-week ultimatum, warning that a nationwide strike may become inevitable if longstanding welfare concerns are not addressed.

Vanguard reported that the decision was reached at an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, where the association reviewed developments following the expiration of an earlier 21-day ultimatum.

In a communiqué released on Sunday and signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to honour commitments on outstanding allowances and salary arrears.

The association said the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund has yet to be released, while many House Officers across the country continue to experience delays in salary payments and other entitlements.

Vanguard reported that NARD also decried the non-payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears and the outstanding 19 months of Professional Allowance arrears.

The resident doctors raised concerns over what they described as the victimisation of their members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, and condemned alleged moves by OAUTHC management to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions.

NARD also highlighted the refusal of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital management to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty.

Channels Television also reported that the resident doctors declared the industrial dispute and gave the Federal Government a fresh four-week deadline.

Sources: Vanguard; Channels Television