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 are not met.
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.
The communiqué was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
NARD said the extension followed a review of the government’s compliance after the initial 21-day ultimatum issued during its May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) expired without full implementation of its demands.
The association explained that the additional four-week window would allow the Federal Government more time to address its outstanding demands before the July National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Gombe State.
However, NARD formally declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.
It warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the additional four-week period if the government fails to act.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
NARD noted that although some progress had been recorded, critical issues remained unresolved despite repeated government assurances. These include the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, delayed payment of house officers’ salaries, unpaid CONMESS arrears, professional allowance arrears, and other outstanding entitlements.
The association also demanded the accelerated implementation of the Medical and Health Workers’ Collective Bargaining Agreement and the recommendations of ministerial committees on healthcare workers’ welfare and safety.
“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,” it said.
