The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has confirmed plans to resume its industrial action on Monday, January 12, 2026, after the Federal Government failed to resolve key welfare and professional issues.
According to the association, unresolved commitments forced the decision despite earlier engagements.
Decision Follows Emergency NEC Meeting
NARD announced the plan after its Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 2.
In the statement signed by NARD President, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, the association said the strike will begin at 12:00 a.m. on the scheduled date.
Nationwide Mobilisation Begins
As part of preparations, the NEC directed all 91 NARD centres nationwide to convene congress meetings. In addition, the centres will hold press conferences to draw public attention to the doctors’ demands.
“We want 91 press conferences to saturate the spaces over the next seven days,” the statement said.
Phased Protest Strategy Announced
Meanwhile, NARD unveiled a phased protest strategy to sustain pressure during the strike period. First, centre-based protests will run from January 12 to 16. Thereafter, caucus leaders will coordinate regional protests, while the National Officers’ Committee (NOC) will organise a national protest.
Conditions for Suspending the Strike
According to NARD, it will only consider suspending TICS 2.0 after the government fully implements nine minimum demands.
These demands include reinstating five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, paying promotion and salary arrears, and implementing the professional allowance table with arrears captured in the 2026 budget.
Additional Welfare Demands
Furthermore, the association demanded the reintroduction of the specialist allowance and the resolution of house officers’ salary delays.
It also asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to clarify skipping and entry-level issues. In addition, NARD called for the resumption and conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process.
“TICS 2.0 suspension will only be considered after full implementation of these minimum demands,” the statement said.
Reason for Advance Notice
NARD explained that it deliberately created a one-week notice period to allow internal consultations and sustained media engagement. Consequently, the association has notified security agencies, including the DSS, the police, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as hospital managements.
“The NOC appreciates the guidance of NEC and assures members of full commitment to these resolutions,” the statement added.
