NARD Extends FG Ultimatum by 4 Weeks, Threatens Nationwide Strike

NARD Extends FG Ultimatum by 4 Weeks, Threatens Nationwide Strike
NARD explained that the additional 4-week period is intended to give the government another opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues
The association reiterated its commitment to dialogue but stressed that it would not hesitate to take necessary steps

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended by 4 weeks its expired 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that it could embark on a nationwide industrial action if its outstanding demands are not addressed.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the decision was reached during the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.

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The resolution was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

According to the association, the extension followed a review of the Federal Government’s response after the initial 21-day ultimatum issued during its May Ordinary General Meeting expired without full compliance.

NARD explained that the additional 4-week period is intended to give the government another opportunity to resolve the outstanding issues before the association’s National Executive Council meeting scheduled to hold in Gombe State in July.

The association, however, warned that failure to make satisfactory progress within the new deadline could trigger industrial action.

“Consequently, the E-NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary processes in preparation for appropriate industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period,” the communiqué stated.

Resident Doctors Push FG As Strike Enters Day 15 — NARD

NARD noted that although discussions with relevant government ministries, departments and agencies had yielded some progress, several critical welfare issues affecting resident doctors remain unresolved.

Among the unresolved demands are the non-payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, delayed salaries for house officers, outstanding entitlements in several health institutions, unpaid 25% and 35% CONMESS salary adjustment arrears, 19-month professional allowance arrears, as well as unpaid salary and promotion arrears.

The doctors also called for the speedy implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and the recommendations of ministerial committees on the welfare and safety of healthcare workers.

The association reiterated its commitment to dialogue but stressed that it would not hesitate to take necessary steps if the Federal Government fails to address the outstanding issues before the expiration of the new deadline.

NARD had earlier declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government during its May 2026 Ordinary General Meeting over unresolved welfare and professional concerns affecting resident doctors across the country.