The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has put the Federal Government (FG) on notice, signalling that the clock has begun ticking on a strict four-week window to fulfil all agreed demands or face another round of total, indefinite industrial action.
In a communique issued after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Monday, the association stressed that its recent decision to suspend a 29-day strike was merely a strategic pause to allow the government time to honour commitments captured in a freshly signed Memorandum of Understanding.
The document, endorsed by NARD’s President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, binds the government to deliver on multiple outstanding issues affecting doctors nationwide.
According to the communique, the NEC reviewed the implementation status of agreements, noting partial progress in areas such as the 25–35 per cent CONMESS arrears and accoutrement allowance, while reconciliation of failed or omitted payments remains unresolved.
It added that while the process for reinstating five disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, had advanced, full compliance is expected within two weeks of 27 November 2025.
The council flagged concerns over prolonged work and call hours, confirming that a taskforce has been constituted to develop a formal policy within two months.
It also highlighted ongoing manpower shortages, with the Minister directing the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to fast-track one-to-one replacement.
NARD further demanded immediate action on promotion arrears, specialist allowances, the Universal CONMESS application, and outstanding salaries in hospitals across Otukpo, Owo, Ilorin, OAU Teaching Hospital Complex, and Uyo.
It warned that all unresolved issues affecting State Teaching Hospitals and Federal Health Institutions must receive urgent intervention.
While acknowledging the government’s recognition of deteriorating infrastructure and obsolete equipment, the association lamented the slow pace of the Collective Bargaining Agreement committee and insisted that all outstanding MoU items must be implemented without delay.
The association resolved that full reinstatement of the affected FTH Lokoja doctors, payment of all arrears, and the completion of manpower replacement measures must occur within the stipulated timelines.
A central taskforce will also be driving reforms on duty hours and locum engagement.
As the four-week suspension period begins, NARD made clear that it will maintain strict oversight of government actions.
Should the administration fail to deliver on its commitments, the association vowed to resume a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike, one that could again cripple services across federal and state health institutions.
