The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement previously agreed-upon demands, warning that failure to comply would trigger a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of NARD’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The association had suspended its indefinite strike on Saturday after 29 days of industrial action following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government. The MoU committed the government to meet NARD’s demands within four weeks.
“The strike is suspended for four weeks to allow monitoring of implementation. Failure to fully implement agreements will result in the resumption of a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike,” the communiqué stated.
Progress on Key Agreements
The NEC reviewed the status of various agreements with the government. On the seven-month arrears of the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) had processed payments up to December 2023, except for some failed or omitted payments, which NARD will reconcile.
Regarding the 2024 accoutrement allowance, a significant portion has been paid, although reconciliation of omitted payments is still ongoing. The committee report on five disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, has been submitted, with full implementation expected within two weeks from November 27, 2025.
To address prolonged work and call hours, the NEC said an advisory had been issued discouraging excessive duties, and a task force is set to develop a formal policy within two months. Efforts to tackle manpower shortages, workload, and burnout are also underway, with the Minister of Health directing the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to conclude the one-to-one replacement plan.
Promotion arrears, House Officers’ Scheme of Service benefits, and specialist allowances are also being addressed, with timelines for implementation set within one month. The Ministry of Health has been instructed to apply the universal CONMESS system across all ministries, departments, and agencies, while policies on locum engagement are expected within two months.
Outstanding Payments and Infrastructure
The NEC emphasised that outstanding salaries and arrears in hospitals such as Otukpo, Owo, Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, and Uyo must be transmitted to the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance within one month. Local issues in state teaching hospitals, particularly at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, require urgent attention.
The association also noted the government’s acknowledgment of deteriorating infrastructure and obsolete equipment across health facilities. Matters concerning consultant cadres for other health professionals will be addressed under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), with other MoU demands also being monitored closely.
“All State Teaching Hospitals and Federal Health Institutions with unresolved issues should continue industrial action until genuine commitments are made and all remaining agreements from conciliatory meetings are resolved,” NARD said.
NARD stressed that the four-week suspension is only for monitoring compliance, and any failure to meet the timelines will result in the resumption of industrial action.
