By Titilope Adako
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday warned that it would resume an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to implement agreed-upon demands within four weeks.
The warning came in a communique issued at the end of NARD’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The association had suspended its 29-day indefinite strike on Saturday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government, which committed to meeting NARD’s demands within four weeks.
The communique stated, “The strike is suspended for four weeks to allow monitoring of implementation. Failure to fully implement agreements will result in the resumption of a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike.”
It noted that the NEC had reviewed progress on several agreements with the Federal Government.
On the seven-month arrears of the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) had processed payments up to December 2023, with NARD set to reconcile failed or omitted payments.
Regarding the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, a significant portion has been paid, though reconciliation of some payments is still required.
The report for five disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, has been submitted, with full implementation expected within two weeks from November 27, 2025.
On prolonged work and call hours, an advisory has been issued discouraging excessive duties, and a task force will develop a formal policy within two months.
To address manpower shortages, workload, and burnout, the Minister of Health has directed the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to implement one-to-one replacements, with feedback expected by November 28, 2025.
The communique further highlighted that promotion arrears are to be transmitted to the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance within a month. Benefits for House Officers excluded from the Scheme of Service are to be transmitted to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria. The Ministry of Health is to ensure the Universal CONMESS application is applied across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Policies on corrected professional allowances and standardised locum engagements for resident doctors are also in progress, with implementation timelines of up to two months.
NARD emphasised that strict monitoring of the government’s compliance will continue, and failure to fully implement the agreements within four weeks will trigger the resumption of industrial action.
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