Mirian Gom 
GOMBE, Nigeria – The NARD strike could begin on 10 August if the Federal Government fails to address outstanding salary arrears, welfare concerns and other unresolved issues affecting resident doctors, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned.
The association issued the ultimatum in a communiqué released after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Gombe State, saying it would embark on a Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) from 8 a.m. on 10 August unless its demands are met.
NARD said while it remains committed to dialogue and constructive engagement with the government, it would no longer compromise on the welfare of resident doctors or the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
Among its demands, the association called for the immediate payment of outstanding arrears arising from the 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, payment of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and settlement of outstanding salaries and promotion arrears owed to doctors in several federal health institutions.
NARD also urged the Federal Government to ensure that all eligible resident doctors omitted from the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) disbursement receive their payments without further delay.
Although the association acknowledged the recent release of residency training funds to many beneficiaries, it maintained that several financial obligations owed to resident doctors remain unresolved.
The association further raised concerns over what it described as the continued intimidation of resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
It accused the hospital’s management of failing to provide call-duty meals despite repeated engagements and urged the Federal Government to intervene before the strike deadline expires.
NARD warned that failure to resolve the issues affecting resident doctors at LUTH before 10 August would strengthen its resolve to proceed with nationwide industrial action.
Beyond salary-related issues, the association condemned what it described as increasing cases of assault, harassment and intimidation of doctors across Nigeria.
It called for the establishment of a national protocol to prevent violence against healthcare workers and urged lawmakers to criminalise attacks on health personnel.
The association also highlighted deteriorating conditions in many public hospitals, citing obsolete medical equipment, unreliable electricity supply, inadequate maintenance of health facilities and persistent shortages of healthcare workers as major obstacles to quality healthcare delivery.
According to NARD, chronic underfunding of the health sector and rising out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to limit access to essential medical services for millions of Nigerians.
The association urged both federal and state governments to increase healthcare funding, strengthen primary healthcare services, recruit more health workers and improve health financing to accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.
NARD also called for the speedy conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement, as well as the recommendations of the ministerial committee reviewing excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, casualisation of doctors and the misuse of locum appointments.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Oluwafunbi Bello 
Abah Felicity 