The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a final warning to the Federal Government, declaring that doctors across the country will begin a total nationwide strike on August 10, 2026, unless outstanding salary arrears, allowances and welfare issues are urgently resolved.
Key Highlights
Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike from August 10
NARD demands payment of salary and allowance arrears
Doctors decry attacks on healthcare workers
FG urged to conclude health workers’ bargaining agreement
Association calls for improved funding of Nigeria’s health sector
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the association’s July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Gombe. The communiqué was jointly 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 strike notice followed months of unresolved negotiations with the Federal Government, despite repeated ultimatums and engagements aimed at addressing the welfare of resident doctors.
While NARD acknowledged the Federal Government’s payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), it insisted that several critical issues remain unresolved.
“The NEC resolved to embark on a Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, should the Federal Government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues before the expiration of the stipulated timeline,” the communiqué stated.
Among the association’s key demands are the immediate payment of outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears, 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, promotion arrears and other outstanding entitlements owed to resident doctors in federal health institutions.
NARD also expressed concern over the continued delay in paying house officers, citing unpaid salaries, internship placement bottlenecks, delayed onboarding processes and other welfare challenges affecting young medical professionals.
The association condemned the increasing cases of assault, harassment and intimidation of doctors while on duty, calling for urgent legislation to criminalise attacks on healthcare workers nationwide.
It further urged the Federal Government to conclude negotiations on the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and immediately implement its provisions.
NARD also demanded the speedy completion of the Federal Ministry of Health’s committee investigating excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and exploitative locum appointments.
Read also:
- ‘I Had Major Surgery’ — Ayra Starr Breaks Silence on Health Scare, Shares Emotional Message With Fans
- Woman Arrested For Severing Boyfriend’s Private Part in Kano
- How to Apply for the Federal Government’s Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) Recruitment
The association called on both federal and state governments to increase investment in healthcare by upgrading hospitals, providing modern equipment, ensuring reliable electricity, recruiting more medical personnel and improving working conditions across the country’s health facilities.
It also urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration to implement the approved Professional Allowance Table and settle all outstanding CONMESS review arrears owed to doctors.
Despite its grievances, NARD commended the Federal Government for releasing the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund and acknowledged efforts by the Federal Character Commission and the Federal Ministry of Health in resolving manpower and industrial disputes.
The association also praised the governors of Osun, Kaduna, Oyo, Rivers and Plateau states for improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
With the August 10 deadline fast approaching, resident doctors insist the next move rests entirely with the Federal Government, warning that failure to act could trigger another nationwide disruption of healthcare services.
