NARD Threatens Nationwide Shutdown Over Unmet Welfare Demands
By HALIMA TAKWAS
THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a fresh deadline to address its outstanding demands. The association warned that it would begin a nationwide strike on 10 August if no action is taken.
The decision followed the association’s Ordinary General Meeting held in Gombe. NARD said the planned action would be total and comprehensive if the government failed to fulfil previous agreements.
The communiqué was signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim. The association accused the government of failing to implement key welfare commitments despite earlier negotiations.
NARD demanded the payment of outstanding arrears from the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review. It also called for the settlement of 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, salary and promotion arrears, and the implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The doctors further demanded improved welfare for house officers. They asked for the payment of omitted beneficiaries under the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund. They also called for stronger measures to protect healthcare workers across the country.
The association urged the Federal Government to resolve the crisis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital. It alleged that resident doctors at the hospital faced intimidation and unresolved welfare challenges.
NARD said it remained open to dialogue. However, it warned that failure to resolve the issues before the deadline would trigger a nationwide industrial action capable of disrupting healthcare services in federal tertiary hospitals.
