NARD Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Doctors’ Welfare, Threatens Strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the implementation of outstanding agreements concerning doctors’ welfare and working conditions. Failure to meet these demands by October 1, 2026, could result in “further industrial action,” the association warned.
This ultimatum was set during NARD’s 46th Annual General Meeting, held in Calabar, Cross River State, from September 21 to 26. The announcement followed a communique signed by NARD’s newly elected leaders, including President Ogar Idoko, Secretary-General Besongngem Akotanchi, and Publicity and Social Secretary Ashimom Msughter. They indicated that the decision came after significant delays from the government in addressing several crucial welfare and professional concerns despite prior discussions and commitments.
NARD is demanding immediate payment of 19 months of outstanding Professional Allowance Table (PAT) arrears, as well as arrears related to the upward adjustments of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) of 25 percent and 35 percent.
Additionally, the association called for the immediate settlement of salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in various federal health institutions. NARD also seeks corrections to errors in the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) payments and has requested an upward review of the fund to align it with current residency training costs. The association insists that the revised MRTF be incorporated into the 2027 Appropriation Act.
NARD further demands the expedited conclusion of the long-standing Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Nigerian Medical Association and the Federal Government. The organization noted that the unresolved review of the CONMESS salary structure, which has been outstanding for approximately 17 years, contributes to ongoing brain drain within the health sector.
The association is pushing for a sustainable recruitment system to alleviate workforce shortages and enhance the capacity of health institutions to provide effective healthcare. It also called for the implementation of an approved work-hour regulation policy, functional biometric systems for tracking working hours, and a standardized process for compensating doctors for excessive workloads.
Moreover, NARD is urging the government to enforce the Assault on Health Workers Prevention Policy across health institutions, along with establishing clear accountability mechanisms and addressing outstanding pension contributions. They emphasized the urgent need for improvements to healthcare infrastructure, equipment, and essential medical facilities, voicing concerns that such deficiencies are jeopardizing patient safety, healthcare delivery, and the training of resident doctors.
To ensure the government’s compliance, NARD’s National Executive Council has been tasked with monitoring developments during the 14-day period. The association indicated that it would consider “all necessary lawful and constitutionally sanctioned actions,” including further industrial action, if the government fails to initiate substantial compliance with its demands within the specified timeframe.
This ultimatum follows a series of disputes between resident doctors and the Federal Government throughout 2026. Earlier this year, NARD suspended a planned nationwide strike after a National Industrial Court ruling prohibited the action, combined with new government commitments. A brief nationwide strike in April was also halted within 24 hours due to government intervention.
The current ultimatum provides the Federal Government with until October 1 to demonstrate effective implementation of the resolutions established by the association.
