NARD Issues Four-Week Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the federal government, issuing a four-week ultimatum to address long-standing demands related to unpaid allowances. This decision followed an extraordinary national executive council meeting held virtually on Saturday, after the expiration of a previous 21-day ultimatum.

NARD's communiqué, signed by President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Public Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, stated that the association cannot guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new deadline. Key issues include the non-payment of outstanding salaries and allowances, the delayed release of the 2026 medical residency training fund, and the failure of health institutions to fulfill commitments to doctors' welfare.

NARD has accused the government of neglecting these issues, warning that if their demands are not met within the stipulated period, they will prepare for industrial action. The association also condemned attempts to reintroduce bench fees and criticized the management of Lagos University Teaching Hospital for failing to provide necessary entitlements.