Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike over unpaid arrears, welfare concerns

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a notice of a nationwide indefinite strike scheduled to commence on Monday, August 10, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding demands on salaries, welfare and working conditions.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe State and signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, and Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim.

According to the association, the planned industrial action follows what it described as the government’s slow implementation of previous agreements reached with resident doctors.

Among its key demands is the immediate payment of outstanding arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), as well as the settlement of unpaid professional allowance arrears, promotion arrears and other outstanding financial entitlements.

NARD also called for the inclusion of resident doctors who were omitted from the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) payments.

In addition, the association urged the Federal Government to address unresolved issues affecting doctors in some federal health institutions, including complaints relating to welfare, call-duty payments and workplace administration.

Beyond remuneration, the doctors expressed concern over deteriorating working conditions, citing excessive workloads, prolonged call-duty hours, inadequate infrastructure and growing security risks faced by healthcare workers in public hospitals.

The association called on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to implement recommendations aimed at improving doctors’ welfare and strengthening workplace safety across the country’s health institutions.

“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.

NARD also condemned reported cases of harassment and violence against healthcare workers, urging authorities to introduce stronger measures to protect medical personnel while on duty.

The planned strike, if it proceeds, is expected to affect services in federal teaching hospitals and other tertiary health institutions across the country, potentially disrupting outpatient consultations, elective procedures and other medical services.

The latest development comes amid persistent concerns over the migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals to countries offering better remuneration and improved working conditions. Health sector stakeholders have repeatedly warned that unresolved welfare issues and recurring industrial disputes could further worsen the shortage of medical personnel in the country’s public health system.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had not issued an official response to the strike notice.