NARD warns industrial action is imminent if government fails to implement outstanding welfare and salary demands.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, extending by four weeks its ultimatum for the implementation of outstanding demands and warning that a nationwide strike could follow if the issues remain unresolved.
The decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday. NARD said it can no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new deadline and has directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for possible industrial action.
The association accused the government of delaying salaries, allowances and welfare payments, while also raising concerns over the alleged victimisation of resident doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC) and the refusal of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to provide call meals for doctors on duty.
Among its key demands are the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of outstanding salary and allowance arrears, implementation of the revised CONMESS salary structure, improved protection for healthcare workers, and faster implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government.
NARD said it would review the government’s level of compliance at its July 2026 National Executive Council meeting in Gombe State before deciding on its next line of action.