NARD Threatens Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced a potential indefinite strike after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe from July 26 to 31. NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, expressed dissatisfaction with the slow implementation of previously agreed terms with the Federal Government, despite multiple engagements over several months.

The association has extended its strike ultimatum four times, yet many commitments remain unfulfilled. Key demands include immediate payment of 25–35 percent CONMESS salary review arrears, 19-month professional allowance arrears, and promotion and salary arrears owed to doctors in various federal health institutions.

NARD condemned the rising cases of assault on healthcare workers and called for a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol. The association also urged the Federal Government to expedite the payment of eligible resident doctors omitted from the Medical Residency Training Fund and to address the welfare of house officers facing salary delays and unpaid arrears.