The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened a nationwide strike from August 10 if the federal government fails to pay outstanding salaries and allowances and address welfare and healthcare sector concerns.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to begin a nationwide strike from Monday, August 10, 2026, if the federal government fails to address its outstanding demands before the deadline.
The association disclosed this in a communiqué issued after its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Gombe, saying the decision followed a review of the implementation of previous agreements with the federal government. NARD said members expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the slow pace of compliance, particularly on issues relating to salaries, allowances and doctors’ welfare.
The communiqué was signed by the association’s President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.
NARD Gives FG Until August 10
According to the communiqué, the National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to commence a Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, if the federal government fails to satisfactorily resolve all outstanding issues before the deadline.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to embark on a Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 10th August 2026, should the Federal Government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues contained in this communiqué before the expiration of the stipulated timeline,” the association said.
Despite issuing the ultimatum, NARD said it remains committed to dialogue with the government but insisted that the welfare of resident doctors and the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system cannot be compromised.
“The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue but reiterated that the welfare of resident doctors and the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system remain non-negotiable.”
Outstanding Salaries, Allowances Top Demands
Among its demands, NARD called on the federal government to immediately pay the outstanding 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review arrears, clear the 19 months’ professional allowance arrears, and settle outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal health institutions.
The association also urged the government to fast-track the conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) while resolving welfare challenges affecting house officers across the country.
In addition, NARD gave the federal government until August 10 to resolve the ongoing crisis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), alleging persistent intimidation of resident doctors by the hospital’s management and the continued refusal to provide call-duty meals despite repeated engagements.
The association further demanded the implementation of stronger measures to protect healthcare workers from assault while on duty, payment to omitted beneficiaries of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), improved healthcare infrastructure nationwide, and the recruitment of more health personnel to strengthen service delivery across public hospitals.
Another Showdown Looms
The latest ultimatum marks another chapter in the recurring dispute between resident doctors and the federal government over the implementation of agreements reached during previous negotiations.
NARD has repeatedly accused the government of failing to honour commitments relating to doctors’ remuneration, welfare and working conditions, while successive administrations have pledged reforms aimed at improving the country’s healthcare system.
If no agreement is reached before August 10, the planned strike could disrupt medical services across federal health institutions, adding further pressure to Nigeria’s already strained healthcare sector.o whether fresh negotiations can resolve the outstanding issues and avert another nationwide disruption to healthcare services.
