Resident Doctors Extend Strike Ultimatum by Four Weeks

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has extended by four weeks its expired 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that it could embark on industrial action if its demands remain unresolved.

The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.

NARD said the extension followed a review of the government’s response to the 21-day ultimatum issued during its May Ordinary General Meeting. The association stated that the additional four-week period would allow the government to address outstanding issues before its July National Executive Council meeting in Gombe State.

The association also declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over unresolved welfare and professional concerns affecting resident doctors nationwide.

According to the communiqué, the National Officers’ Committee has been directed to begin preparations for possible industrial action if the government fails to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the extended deadline.

NARD listed its outstanding demands to include the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of delayed salaries and outstanding entitlements for house officers, settlement of CONMESS upward review arrears, payment of 19-month professional allowance arrears, and outstanding salary and promotion arrears.

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

NARD said it remains committed to dialogue but reserves the right to take further action if the outstanding issues are not resolved before the expiration of the extended ultimatum.