Residents’ Doctors Threaten To Resume Strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Monday warned that it would resume an indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to implement agreed-upon demands within four weeks.
The resident doctors made the announcement in a communique issued at the end of the Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting.
The communique was signed by its President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The association had suspended its indefinite strike on Saturday after 29 days of industrial action, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the government.
The MoU committed the government to meet NARD’s demands within four weeks.
The communique stated, “The strike is suspended for four weeks to allow monitoring of implementation.
“Failure to fully implement agreements will result in the resumption of a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike.”
It added that the NEC had reviewed progress on various agreements with the Federal Government.
On the seven-month arrears of the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, it noted that the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System had processed payments up to December 2023, except for some failed or omitted payments, which NARD will reconcile with IPPIS.
Regarding the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, it said a significant portion has been paid, but reconciliation of failed or omitted payments is still required.
It stated that the committee report for the five disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, has been submitted, and full implementation is expected within two weeks from November 27, 2025.
On prolonged work and call hours, the communique stated that an advisory has been issued discouraging excessive duties, and a task force has been set up to develop a formal policy within two months.
To address manpower shortages, workload, and burnout, the communique noted that the Minister has instructed the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to conclude one-to-one replacement, with feedback expected by November 28, 2025.
“On promotion arrears, the list is to be transmitted to the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance within one month. On House Officers’ Scheme of Service exclusion, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is to transmit benefits to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for implementation.
“On the Universal CONMESS application, the Ministry of Health is mandated to apply it universally across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The circular of the corrected professional allowances has been released. On casualisation of resident doctors, Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors are to standardise locum engagement—minimum six months; preference in recruitment, and the committee is to produce a policy within two months,” it noted.
The association emphasised that strict monitoring of the government’s compliance will continue, and failure to fully implement the agreements within four weeks will prompt the resumption of industrial action.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
