The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has given the Federal Government another month to address critical welfare issues, warning that industrial action remains imminent if outstanding concerns are not resolved.
In a communiqué issued Saturday after an emergency virtual meeting, NARD extended its expired 21-day ultimatum by four weeks, stating that the government has failed to fully implement key demands despite repeated assurances.
The Ultimatum Extension
· The additional four-week window will allow the government to address unresolved issues before NARD’s July National Executive Council meeting in Gombe State
· The association has formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government
· NARD warns it “can no longer guarantee industrial harmony” beyond the extended period
Unresolved Demands
The association cited several critical issues that remain unaddressed:
· Non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund
· Delayed payment of house officers’ salaries and outstanding entitlements
· Unpaid arrears of the 25% and 35% CONMESS upward review
· 19 months of outstanding professional allowance arrears
· Unpaid salary and promotion arrears for doctors
· Delayed implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement
· Unimplemented recommendations from ministerial committees on healthcare workers’ welfare
What Happens Next
“The E-NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary processes in preparation for appropriate industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period,” the communiqué stated.
The association says it remains committed to constructive engagement but reserves the right to take decisive action if the government fails to act within the extended timeline.
