- He stressed that it would make no sense for doctors to align with political interests that lack the authority to resolve their demands
- While reaffirming the union’s openness to dialogue, the NARD leader warned that patience was wearing thin
- The NARD president explained that the looming strike became unavoidable after government commitments continued to stall
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has pushed back strongly against suggestions that its fresh threat of a nationwide strike is driven by politics, insisting that the decision stems from unresolved welfare issues and what it described as repeated policy reversals by the Federal Government.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the association said agreements reached with government officials have failed to translate into concrete action, leaving resident doctors frustrated and exposed to worsening working conditions despite assurances given after the suspension of an earlier strike.
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Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the union’s position was purely professional and centred on protecting the lives, safety and wellbeing of its members.
He stressed that it would make no sense for doctors to align with political interests that lack the authority to resolve their demands.
According to Suleiman, resident doctors remain willing to engage the current administration, which he said has both the responsibility and capacity to address the crisis in the health sector.
He expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu would intervene decisively if fully briefed on the extent of the challenges facing doctors across federal hospitals.
The NARD president explained that the looming strike became unavoidable after government commitments continued to stall, with new conditions introduced without consultation.
He cited the reported requirement for a fresh job evaluation by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission as another example of what he described as constantly shifting goalposts.
Suleiman also dismissed claims that provisions had already been made for doctors’ allowances in the 2026 budget, challenging authorities to clearly identify where the reported ₦90 billion allocation was captured.
He argued that transparency was necessary to reassure healthcare workers that their concerns were being genuinely addressed.
He further revealed that a significant number of resident doctors are still affected by unpaid arrears, failed payments and omissions, noting that about 40 percent of members are yet to receive what they are owed. According to him, the responsibility for releasing the funds lies squarely with the government.
Beyond allowances, NARD highlighted other unresolved issues, including delayed promotion arrears, the redeployment of disengaged doctors without reinstatement or back pay, and outstanding professional certification concerns. Suleiman said these lingering problems continue to undermine morale within the health sector.
While reaffirming the union’s openness to dialogue, the NARD leader warned that patience was wearing thin.
He said the association’s National Executive Council had already resolved that if meaningful progress is not made, resident doctors would have no option but to down tools.
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