The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared its intention to begin a full-scale nationwide strike starting August 10 if the Federal Government does not resolve a series of outstanding grievances. This resolution emerged from the association’s National Executive Council meeting held in Gombe and was formally announced by its leadership, including President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
While acknowledging the recent payment of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, NARD representatives expressed frustration with the slow progress on other critical concerns. These issues include significant salary arrears, unpaid professional allowances, and promotion backlogs across various federal health institutions. The association is also demanding an end to the harassment of medical personnel, calling for stricter laws to protect healthcare workers from violence.
Furthermore, NARD has requested the rapid conclusion of collective bargaining agreements and the implementation of recommendations to reduce excessive workloads and casualization within the medical field. Beyond internal welfare, the group urged government authorities to modernize healthcare infrastructure, ensure stable power in hospitals, and increase recruitment to bolster the public health system. Although the association remains open to further dialogue, it insists that the well-being of its members and the health sector’s integrity are essential priorities that must be met by the August deadline.
