The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 10-day deadline to address unresolved welfare and workplace concerns, warning that its members will begin an indefinite nationwide strike on August 10 if no action is taken.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe from July 26 to 31, where members assessed the government’s progress in implementing previous agreements.
NARD acknowledged the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors but said several key issues remain unresolved despite earlier negotiations.
The association listed its major concerns to include the non-payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears, 19 months of outstanding professional allowances, promotion arrears and unpaid salaries owed to doctors in several federal health institutions across the country.
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It also raised concerns over delays in the payment of salaries and placement of house officers, describing the situation as harmful to the training and welfare of young doctors.
The association recalled that it first issued the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum on June 6 over unpaid entitlements, welfare issues and attacks on doctors. The deadline was later extended by four weeks on June 29 to allow more time for negotiations.
NARD further condemned the growing cases of harassment, intimidation and physical attacks on doctors while carrying out their duties. It called on the government to establish a national protocol to protect healthcare workers and enact laws that would make assaults on medical personnel a criminal offence.
The association warned that failure to meet its demands within the next 10 days would leave its members with no option but to embark on a total nationwide strike.
