Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike over unpaid arrears

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued a nationwide strike notice, warning that its members will embark on an indefinite industrial action from August 10 if the Federal Government fails to address outstanding welfare demands.

The decision was reached at the association’s July National Executive Council meeting in Gombe, where members expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the slow implementation of agreements reached with the government.

In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, and Secretary, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association said the strike would commence at 8:00 a.m. on August 10 unless its demands are met before the deadline.

“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,” the communiqué stated.

Among its demands, NARD called for the immediate payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears, settlement of 19 months of Professional Allowance arrears, payment of salary and promotion arrears, and inclusion of eligible resident doctors omitted from the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

The association also urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement recommendations of a ministerial committee on excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and the abuse of locum appointments.

NARD further demanded an immediate resolution of the crisis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, alleging intimidation of resident doctors by the hospital’s management and failure to provide call-duty meals.

The association condemned the continued assault, harassment and intimidation of healthcare workers across the country and called for legislation to criminalise attacks on medical personnel, alongside the establishment of a national protocol for preventing and responding to such incidents.

It also urged the Federal and state governments to improve healthcare funding, rehabilitate public health facilities, provide modern medical equipment, strengthen primary healthcare and recruit more health workers to address workforce shortages.

The association appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration and several teaching hospitals, including the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, to resolve outstanding salary and welfare issues affecting resident doctors.

Despite its grievances, NARD commended the Federal Government for successfully disbursing the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund to eligible beneficiaries.

It also praised the governments of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for initiatives aimed at improving doctors’ welfare, remuneration, healthcare infrastructure and manpower development.