Physicians-in-training push back deadline for walkout by a month

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

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The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday.

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The communiqué was jointly signed by the NARD president, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; secretary-general, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and publicity and social secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

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NARD said the extension followed a review of government compliance after the 21-day ultimatum issued during its May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) expired without full implementation of its demands.

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The association explained that the additional four-week window would allow the federal government to address its outstanding demands before its July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Gombe State.

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However, NARD declared an industrial dispute with the federal government over unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting resident doctors across the country.

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It warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the additional four-week period if the government failed to address the outstanding concerns.

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

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The association said its decision followed extensive deliberations on reports presented by the NOC on engagements with relevant ministries, departments and agencies of government.

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It said that although progress had been recorded in some areas, critical welfare issues remained unresolved in spite of repeated assurances from the federal government.

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According to NARD, the unresolved issues include the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, delayed payment of house officers’ salaries and outstanding entitlements in several centres.

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Other concerns include unpaid 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears, outstanding 19-month professional allowance arrears, and unpaid salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors.

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

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“The association remains committed to constructive engagement while reserving the right to take appropriate action should the outstanding issues remain unresolved upon expiration of the additional engagement period.”

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NAN reports that NARD had, at its May 2026 OGM, issued a 21-day ultimatum to the federal government to address unresolved welfare and professional concerns affecting resident doctors nationwide.

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The ultimatum expired before Saturday’s E-NEC meeting, where members reviewed the government’s level of compliance and resolved to grant an additional four-week window. (NAN)(

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