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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Nigerian government, issuing a new four-week ultimatum to implement its outstanding welfare demands.
Following a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, the association warned that it will launch a nationwide strike if the government fails to resolve the issues within the new window.
Top NARD officials jointly signed a communiqué stating they can no longer guarantee industrial harmony if the government ignores their grievances.
The association accused the Nigerian government and multiple health institutions of breaching commitments regarding doctors’ welfare, salaries, and allowances.
Specifically, NARD highlighted that the government has failed to disburse the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund despite repeated assurances.
The doctors also condemned persistent delays in paying house officers’ salaries, 19 months of outstanding professional allowance arrears, and arrears from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS upward salary review.
Furthermore, NARD raised serious concerns over the victimisation of its members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC).
The association vowed to resist harassment and criticised the OAUTHC management for trying to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors despite a government circular abolishing the practice.
The doctors also condemned the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) for refusing to provide the required call meals for doctors on duty.
While NARD acknowledged slight progress—including committee reports on workplace violence and locum abuse—it labelled overall government implementation as slow and unsatisfactory.
The association’s final demands include the immediate release of the training funds, full payment of all salary and promotion arrears, better protection against assaults, and fast-tracked implementation of working condition recommendations.
NARD will review the Nigerian government’s compliance during its next executive meeting in Gombe State in July 2026.
