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By Lawrence Agbo
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued what it described as a final four-week ultimatum to the federal government to address outstanding welfare and professional issues affecting its members or risk a nationwide industrial strike.
The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on June 27, 2026, after reviewing the government’s response to an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued in May.
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 declared an official industrial dispute with the Federal Government over what it described as prolonged inaction on critical demands.
At the top of the list of grievances is the failure to release the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which the doctors said has remained unpaid despite repeated assurances from relevant authorities.
The association also cited delays in the payment of salaries for House Officers in several training institutions, non-payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary adjustment arrears, and 19 months of outstanding Professional Allowance.
It further complained about unpaid promotion arrears and salary backlogs affecting doctors in many federal health facilities.
Beyond welfare concerns, NARD accused the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, of continued victimisation of resident doctors, warning that the situation is disrupting residency training and compromising patient care.
The association also criticised moves by some private tertiary hospitals to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors, insisting the practice had already been abolished through a government directive.
Similarly, it faulted the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) over its alleged refusal to provide call meals for resident doctors despite ongoing discussions, while condemning similar practices in other hospitals.
Despite the unresolved issues, NARD acknowledged progress in certain areas. It commended the Ministerial Committee on Assaults against Healthcare Workers for nearing the completion of its assignment and welcomed ongoing efforts to address excessive workloads, prolonged call hours, casual employment of doctors and the misuse of locum appointments.
The association also praised state governments and private tertiary hospitals that have implemented the revised CONMESS salary structure, paid outstanding arrears and released the Medical Residency Training Fund to eligible doctors.
It further noted improvements in resolving employment clearance issues involving the Federal Character Commission.
Following its deliberations, the E-NEC resolved to extend its deadline by another four weeks, with a final assessment of the government’s compliance to be conducted during the association’s National Executive Council meeting scheduled for July in Gombe State.
NARD warned that if its demands remain unmet by the expiration of the ultimatum, it would proceed with industrial action, having already directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin the necessary mobilisation.
The association, however, reiterated its commitment to dialogue, stressing that while it remains open to engagement with the government, it would take all legitimate steps to protect the welfare and professional interests of resident doctors if the issues remain unresolved.
