Resident Doctors Issue Final Four-Week Grace Period Before Industrial Action
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its expired 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government by another four weeks, warning that it could embark on a nationwide strike if its outstanding demands are not addressed. The decision was reached during the association's Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday and was contained in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim. According to the association, the extension followed a review of the government's response after the initial ultimatum, issued during its May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), expired without full compliance. NARD said the additional four-week period is intended to give the Federal Government more time to resolve pending issues before the association's next National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold in Gombe State in July. Despite granting the extension, the doctors declared an industrial dispute with the government, citing unresolved welfare and professional concerns affecting resident doctors nationwide.
The association warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial peace beyond the new deadline and directed its National Officers' Committee to begin preparations for possible industrial action if meaningful progress is not achieved. Among the unresolved issues are the non-payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, delayed salaries for house officers, outstanding allowances and entitlements in several health institutions, unpaid arrears from the 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS salary adjustment, 19 months of outstanding professional allowance arrears, as well as salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors. NARD also called for the speedy implementation of the Medical and Health Workers' Collective Bargaining Agreement and the recommendations of ministerial committees established to improve the welfare and safety of healthcare workers. While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the association stressed that it reserves the right to take appropriate action if the government fails to meet its obligations within the extended timeline. The resident doctors had initially issued the 21-day ultimatum during their May 2026 meeting, demanding urgent action on their welfare and professional concerns. The deadline has now been extended as negotiations continue.
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