Resident doctors extend strike deadline by four weeks

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its expired 21‑day ultimatum to the federal government by four weeks, warning that it may launch industrial action if its demands remain unmet.

The decision was announced in a communiqué released after the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E‑NEC) meeting, which was held virtually on Saturday.

The communiqué was signed jointly by NARD president Dr Mohammad Suleiman, secretary‑general Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and publicity and social secretary Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

NARD said it extended the ultimatum after reviewing the government’s compliance following the expiration of the 21‑day deadline issued at its May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM), noting that the demands had not been fully implemented.

The association explained that the additional four‑week period would give the federal government time to address its outstanding demands before the July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled in Gombe State.

However, NARD declared an industrial dispute with the federal government over unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.

It warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the additional four‑week period if the government failed to address the outstanding concerns.

“Consequently, the E‑NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) to activate all necessary processes in preparation for appropriate industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period.”

The association said its decision followed extensive deliberations on reports presented by the NOC regarding engagements with relevant ministries, departments and agencies of government.

It added that although progress had been made in some areas, critical welfare issues remained unresolved despite repeated assurances from the federal government.

According to NARD, the unresolved issues include the non‑disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, delayed payment of house officers’ salaries, and outstanding entitlements in several centres.

Other concerns include unpaid 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears, outstanding 19‑month professional allowance arrears, and unpaid salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors.

The association also demanded accelerated implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and recommendations of ministerial committees on healthcare workers’ welfare and safety.

“The association remains committed to constructive engagement while reserving the right to take appropriate action should the outstanding issues remain unresolved upon expiration of the additional engagement period.”

NAN reports that NARD had, at its May 2026 OGM, issued a 21‑day ultimatum to the federal government to address unresolved welfare and professional concerns affecting resident doctors nationwide.

The ultimatum expired before Saturday’s E‑NEC meeting, where members reviewed the government’s level of compliance and resolved to grant an additional four‑week window. (NAN)(