The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a nationwide indefinite strike beginning at 8 a.m. on 10 August. The action, labelled the Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS), is set to commence unless the government resolves outstanding salary arrears, welfare concerns and other long-standing issues affecting resident doctors across the country.
The threat follows a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe State, during which members reviewed the extent to which previous agreements with the government had been implemented. In a communiqué issued after the meeting, NARD reaffirmed its position that constructive engagement remains a priority, but warned that the welfare of doctors and the survival of Nigeria's healthcare system are non-negotiable.
"The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue but reiterated that the welfare of resident doctors and the survival of Nigeria's healthcare system remain non-negotiable," the communiqué stated.
Payment of Outstanding Arrears and Allowances
A major bone of contention is the non-payment of arrears resulting from the 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review. NARD is demanding the immediate release of these funds, along with 19 months of professional allowance arrears that have remained unpaid. In addition, doctors in several federal health institutions are owed salary and promotion arrears, which the association wants settled without further delay.
The association also called on the government to ensure that all eligible resident doctors who were omitted from the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) disbursement are paid. While acknowledging that the federal government recently disbursed the residency training fund to some eligible beneficiaries, NARD stressed that many financial obligations to resident doctors are still unresolved.
Lagos University Teaching Hospital Face-Off
Another sticking point is the situation at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). NARD accused LUTH's management of continued intimidation of resident doctors and refusal to provide call duty meals, despite repeated engagements on the matter. The association called on the federal government to intervene and resolve the crisis, warning that failure to do so by 10 August would leave it with no alternative but to join the indefinite strike.
Beyond LUTH, NARD condemned what it described as persistent assaults, harassment and intimidation of doctors across the nation. The association argued that such incidents threaten an already fragile healthcare system and called for the creation of a national protocol to prevent violence against healthcare workers. It also urged lawmakers to pass legislation that criminalises assaults on health personnel.
Infrastructure, Funding and Workforce Deficits
The communiqué also highlighted deeper structural problems in Nigeria's public health sector, including deteriorating infrastructure. NARD cited inadequate medical equipment, unreliable electricity supply and poor maintenance of health facilities as major obstacles. Chronic underfunding of the health sector, a shortage of healthcare workers and high out-of-pocket costs for patients were also listed as critical challenges that continue to limit access to quality healthcare for millions of Nigerians.
To address these problems, NARD urged federal and state governments to increase investment in healthcare, strengthen primary healthcare services, improve health financing and recruit more health workers. The association further called for the speedy conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers' Collective Bargaining Agreement, alongside the recommendations of a ministerial committee that reviewed excessive workloads, prolonged call duty hours, casualisation of doctors and the abuse of locum appointments.
Demands on House Officers and Recurring Strike Threat
NARD also demanded urgent action to tackle salary delays, unpaid arrears and internship placement challenges affecting house officers. The association stressed that these issues, if left unresolved, would continue to hamper the training and well-being of young doctors.
Nigeria has witnessed repeated industrial actions by resident doctors in recent years, with disputes frequently revolving around unpaid salaries and allowances, poor working conditions, residency training funding and the implementation of government agreements. Health experts have consistently warned that prolonged strikes disrupt access to healthcare, delay surgical procedures and put additional pressure on an already overburdened health system, particularly for patients who depend on public hospitals.
