Resident Doctors Issue Fresh Four-Week Strike Ultimatum To FG

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and issued a fresh four-week ultimatum over unresolved welfare and professional concerns.

Naija News reports that the decision was reached at an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday.

In a communiqué released on Sunday, NARD accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to honour agreements on outstanding allowances, salary arrears and the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

“NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments,” the communiqué stated.

The association also decried the non-payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears and the 19 months’ Professional Allowance arrears.

The doctors raised concerns over the alleged victimisation of members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife.

They also condemned alleged moves by the hospital management to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors despite a government circular abolishing the practice.

NARD further criticised the Lagos University Teaching Hospital for allegedly failing to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty.

The association demanded the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of outstanding salary and allowance arrears, implementation of the revised CONMESS structure and improved protection for health workers.

“The association cannot guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week window if all its demands are not fully addressed,” the communiqué warned.

NARD said compliance would be reviewed at its July 2026 NEC meeting in Gombe State.