Doctors Stand Firm as Strike Enters Third Week
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has firmly rejected claims by the Labour Ministry that progress is being made toward resolving the ongoing nationwide strike. The union, representing thousands of medical professionals across Nigeria, stated that the government's assertions are misleading and do not reflect the reality facing doctors.
Unmet Demains and False Payment Claims
In a strong communiqué signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, NARD revealed that after careful review during a recent council meeting, none of their 19 key demands have been properly implemented. The association specifically refuted government claims that payment of the revised 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary adjustment and the 2024 accoutrement allowance had commenced.
No doctor anywhere in Nigeria has received these payments, according to the union's statement. NARD emphasized that the government's discussion about trying to "reconcile" failed or omitted payments only serves to highlight the same administrative failures that doctors have been protesting for years.
Persistent Issues and Delaying Tactics
The doctors raised serious concerns about unresolved salary arrears in several hospitals, including Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, Federal Medical Centre Owo, and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. NARD expressed frustration that after years of discussions, the ministry admitted officials are still compiling lists to submit to the Budget Office.
The association criticized what it called the government's habitual use of committee formations as a delay tactic rather than a solution. Specific concerns include ongoing manpower shortages, the casualisation of doctors, and the recent disengagement of five doctors in Lokoja.
NARD demanded the immediate reinstatement of the affected doctors and enforcement of the one-for-one replacement policy to alleviate workforce pressure in hospitals nationwide.
Why NARD Rejected the Memorandum of Understanding
The doctors' union clarified its position on the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), explaining that it declined to sign because the document contained no clear timelines and was built on promises that have consistently gone unfulfilled. The association stated that signing such an agreement would provide no benefit to doctors or the struggling health sector.
Reaffirming its commitment to the industrial action, NARD declared that the total and indefinite strike, which began on November 1, 2025, will continue until the government meets its minimum conditions. These include reinstating disengaged doctors, paying corrected professional allowances, clearing outstanding arrears, and implementing all pending welfare measures.
The situation remains at a standstill as Nigerian hospitals continue to operate without resident doctors, creating significant challenges for healthcare delivery across the nation.
