Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike from August 10 over unmet demands
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it will commence a nationwide strike on August 10 if the federal government does not meet its outstanding demands.
In a communiqué issued after its ordinary general meeting in Gombe, the association said the planned action is driven by unresolved issues, including unpaid salaries, outstanding allowances, and other welfare concerns affecting doctors in federal health institutions.
The communiqué was signed on Thursday by NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.
According to the association, members expressed dissatisfaction with the level of progress made in implementing previous agreements reached with the federal government after reviewing the status of compliance.
“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 communique reads.
“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.”
NARD called for the immediate payment of outstanding arrears from the 25/35 percent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), 19 months of unpaid professional allowances, as well as salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal health facilities.
The association also urged the government to fast-track the completion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and address welfare issues affecting house officers.
NARD further gave the federal government until August 10 to resolve the dispute at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), accusing the hospital management of intimidating resident doctors and failing to provide call-duty meals despite several engagements.
The doctors also called for stronger measures to safeguard healthcare workers from attacks, payment of omitted beneficiaries under the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), improved healthcare infrastructure, and the recruitment of more medical personnel to boost healthcare delivery.
The association has on several occasions warned of industrial action, accusing the federal government of failing to fully implement agreements reached with the doctors.
