Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended its ultimatum to the Federal Government by four weeks over unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting doctors nationwide, while also declaring an industrial dispute with the government.
The decision was reached at the end of an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, June 27, 2026, where the association reviewed the government’s response to demands earlier presented during its May 2026 Ordinary General Meeting.
The communiqué was signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.
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Among the major concerns raised by the association were the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries and other outstanding entitlements, as well as unpaid 25/35 per cent CONMESS arrears and 19 months’ professional allowance arrears owed to doctors.
The association also expressed concern over what it described as the victimisation of resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, and condemned attempts by some hospital managements to deny resident doctors call meals while on duty.
NARD further noted progress in discussions with stakeholders on assaults against healthcare workers and excessive workload among doctors, adding that ministerial committees set up to address the issues were nearing completion of their assignments.
In its resolutions, the association demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears and allowances, implementation of welfare agreements, and the immediate disbursement of the MRTF within 21 days.
The council also called for the immediate resolution of the crisis at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, warning that it would not tolerate intimidation or harassment of its members. It equally demanded that the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) begin the provision of call meals for resident doctors without further delay.
NARD warned that failure by the Federal Government to address its demands within the four-week extension period could lead to industrial action nationwide.
The association, however, stated that it remained committed to constructive engagement with the government while reserving the right to take appropriate action should the issues remain unresolved.
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