- ‘Implement Our 15 Demands Or Face Strike’ – Resident Doctors Warn FG
- Strike suspension remains conditional on January progress
- NARD raises alarm over worsening medical brain drain
The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors has warned the Federal Government to fully implement its 15 outstanding demands to avert a fresh nationwide strike, urging authorities to act swiftly on unresolved welfare and professional issues.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking in an interview, the NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, said the association expects concrete action in January, particularly on the reinstatement of dismissed resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and the implementation of outstanding professional allowances captured in the 2026 budget.
He said the association remains firm that all 15 demands currently under discussion are critical to the survival of resident doctors and the stability of Nigeria’s healthcare system, stressing that government officials often attempt to narrow negotiations to a single issue.
Suleiman explained that the association had temporarily shelved its planned January 12 strike following engagements with relevant government agencies but warned that progress must be tangible. NARD had earlier embarked on a 29 day nationwide strike in November 2025, which was suspended after negotiations.
A communiqué issued after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting revealed progress on several demands. On the Lokoja crisis, NARD disclosed that a reconciliation committee involving Chief Medical Directors, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the association had been constituted to resolve lingering disputes and reinstate affected doctors.
On unpaid Consolidated Medical Salary Structure arrears, the association said verified lists had been submitted to IPPIS, while the Ministry of Labour had written to the Ministry of Finance to fast track payments. Similar engagements are ongoing regarding accoutrement allowances and promotion related salary arrears.
NARD also confirmed progress on entry level placement clarification, locum practice regulation, house officers’ welfare, membership recategorisation and professional allowance implementation, with assurances that arrears would be reflected in the 2026 budget.
The association said it suspended its planned strike based on firm commitments from key government institutions, adding that the decision would be reviewed at its next NEC meeting on January 25.
Suleiman further raised concerns over brain drain, revealing that about 4,700 doctors left Nigeria in 2024 alone, deepening the country’s healthcare workforce crisis.
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