Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike in 2 weeks

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to address its outstanding welfare demands or face industrial action.

The ultimatum, which takes effect from October 1, was part of the resolutions reached at the end of its 46th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Calabar, Cross River State.

The communique was signed by its President, Dr. Emmanuel Idoko, Secretary General, Dr. Besongngem Akotanchi and Dr. Ashimom Timothy, Publicity/Social Secretary.

NARD decried the non-payment of 19 months professional allowance arrears and outstanding arrears from the 25/35 percent upward review of CONMESS, despite previous commitments by government.

The association also demanded immediate rectification of omissions in the payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, MRTF and an upward review of the fund to reflect current realities in the 2027 Appropriation Act.

It further called for accelerated conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which it said has remained unresolved for 17 years, noting that the delay was worsening brain drain in the health sector.

On residency training, NARD condemned the downgrading of membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Surgeons and Physicians by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN, and demanded immediate reversal.

The doctors also demanded implementation of work-hour regulation policy, payment of salary and promotion arrears, and urgent action to stop assault on health workers across the country.

While commending the Federal Government for timely disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, the association commended Governors of Cross River, Imo and Akwa Ibom states for improving welfare packages for doctors.

It also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for implementing the Professional Allowance Table and paying five months arrears.

The AGM, tagged, “Season of Sweetness 2026: Feel the Calabar Experience,” was themed: “Resident Doctors and the Future of Healthcare in Nigeria: Advancing Welfare, Championing Advocacy, Driving Reforms.”