(DDM) – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members in 91 tertiary health institutions nationwide to withdraw their services completely and indefinitely from 12:00 am on Monday, January 12, 2026.
DDM gathered that the directive stems from the Federal Government’s failure to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously agreed with the association.
NARD challenged claims by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Adekunle Salako, that the association’s demands had been reduced from 19 to nine, insisting that the number was effectively 16 items.
The association also rejected the decision to redeploy five disengaged resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, insisting on their immediate and unconditional reinstatement in line with recommendations from a constituted committee.
During a briefing in Abuja, NARD President Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman stated that the Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) convened an emergency meeting on Friday, January 2, 2026, to assess the status of MoU implementation with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH&SW) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMoL&E).
The MoU arose from 19 demands addressing welfare, remuneration, and professional practice concerns affecting resident doctors across Nigeria.
Suleiman warned that the collective bargaining process had stalled and called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure timely resolution.
He expressed concern over a statement by the Minister of State for Health claiming that the collective bargaining process had been suspended, accusing the ministry of employing delay tactics to prevent negotiations for the next year.
The NARD president said the association would continue the previously suspended Total, Comprehensive, and Indefinite strike until the Federal Government and affected state governments demonstrate “clear, concrete, and genuine commitment” to addressing their demands.
Suleiman highlighted the persistent delay in transmitting compiled promotion arrears owed to doctors to the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Finance for processing and payment.
He also noted that delays persist in salary arrears owed to doctors in several institutions, including arrears relating to the 25% and 35% upward review of CONMESS and accoutrement allowances affecting approximately 40% of members.
The president called for immediate settlement of all outstanding House Officers’ salary arrears, prompt payment of salaries, and the issuance of formal pay advisories, as previously promised by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
He further demanded the reversal of re-categorisation of membership certificates by MDCN and prompt issuance of certificates following Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN).
Suleiman stressed the urgent need for government intervention to address the deteriorating state of infrastructure and replace obsolete equipment in health institutions nationwide.
He concluded by calling for measurable progress on all other outstanding agreements, including full implementation of the approved Professional Allowance Table and payment of accrued arrears, ensuring they are adequately reflected in the 2026 national budget.
