The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government until 8:00 a.m. on August 10, 2026, to implement a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding.
The association warned that failure to meet the deadline would trigger a total, comprehensive and indefinite nationwide strike across public health institutions. NARD announced the ultimatum after its week-long National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Gombe State, which lasted from July 26 to July 31.
Doctors lament worsening healthcare conditions
NARD issued the communiqué through its President, Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Abdulmajid Yahya.
Delegates said Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to face serious challenges. They cited repeated assaults on doctors, poor remuneration, unpaid salary and promotion arrears, and deteriorating working conditions. The association also accused authorities of intimidating resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Medical workforce continues to shrink
NARD said the country’s medical workforce has reduced sharply over the last 11 years. According to the association, Nigeria had about 25,000 resident doctors 11 years ago. Today, only a little over 12,000 remain to serve more than 230 million people.
It said about 10,000 resident doctors work in federal health institutions. Another 2,000 serve in state-owned and private hospitals.
NARD presents 13 demands
The association outlined 13 demands and warned that failure to address them before August 10 would trigger nationwide industrial action. Among the demands is the creation of a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol. NARD also wants a law that criminalises attacks on healthcare workers.
The association further called for a resolution of the crisis at LUTH. It asked the government to address allegations involving the hospital’s Chief Medical Director and restore call-duty meals.
Welfare remains a major concern
NARD demanded immediate payment of outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears. It also requested payment of 19 months of Professional Allowance arrears and the omitted 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund allowances.
The association further demanded payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears across federal health institutions. In addition, it urged the government to reduce excessive workloads, end the casualisation of doctors and improve welfare for House Officers.
NARD also called for the rehabilitation of healthcare facilities, the upgrade of medical equipment and the equitable distribution of health infrastructure nationwide.
Strike warning
The association said it had extended previous ultimatums in good faith. However, it warned that it would no longer accept delays in implementing the agreement.
NARD urged the Federal Government to resolve the outstanding issues before August 10. It maintained that failure to do so would lead to an indefinite nationwide strike across public hospitals.
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