Resident Doctors Warn of Possible Strike Resumption

The warning was issued in a communique released after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Monday. The document was signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

According to the communique, the association suspended its 29-day strike on Saturday following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the government, which requires full implementation of key agreements within four weeks.

NARD stated that the suspension is strictly to allow time to monitor progress, stressing that any failure to meet the commitments would result in the immediate return to a “total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike.”

The NEC reviewed the status of multiple agreements reached with the government. It noted that the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System has processed payments for the seven-month arrears of the 25–35 percent CONMESS review up to December 2023, with outstanding failed or omitted payments to be reconciled.

On the 2024 accoutrement allowance, NARD reported that most payments have been made, but reconciliation for pending cases is still required.

The association stated that the committee handling the case of the five disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, has submitted its report, with full reinstatement expected within two weeks from November 27, 2025.

Regarding prolonged work and call hours, the NEC confirmed that an advisory discouraging excessive duties has been issued, and a taskforce is working on a formal duty-hour policy expected within two months.

To address manpower shortages and burnout, the Minister of Health has directed the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to conclude the one-to-one replacement process, with feedback due by November 28, 2025.

On promotion arrears, the NEC said the list of affected doctors will be sent to the Budget Office and the Ministry of Finance within one month. For House Officers’ Scheme of Service exclusion, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission is expected to transmit necessary details to the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for implementation.

The association added that the Ministry of Health is mandated to ensure universal application of CONMESS across all relevant MDAs, while a corrected circular on professional allowances has already been issued. It also emphasized that Chief Medical Directors must standardize locum engagements with a minimum six-month duration.

The communique reported progress on specialist allowances for resident doctors following an OHCSF directive, and confirmed that the issue of downgrading entry level from CONMESS 3 to 2 has been resolved.

NARD further highlighted delays in the Collective Bargaining Agreement process and urged the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Employment to speed up action.

The association stressed the need for immediate settlement of outstanding salaries and arrears in several federal hospitals, including Otukpo, Owo, Ilorin, OAUTHC, and Uyo. It also called for urgent intervention in state teaching hospitals, particularly at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

On special pension benefits under the NMA MoU, NARD said communication has been forwarded to the PENCOM DG ahead of committee deliberations.

The NEC noted that the government has acknowledged the worsening state of health infrastructure and obsolete medical equipment, while other MoU issues are being addressed at various stages.

The association resolved that the reinstatement of the five disengaged doctors in Lokoja must be completed within two weeks, while outstanding arrears, allowances, and related payments must be processed and paid within one month. It also directed its Central Taskforce Committee to finalize duty-hour and locum policy reforms within two months.

NARD concluded that strict monitoring of compliance will continue throughout the four-week suspension period, warning that failure to fully implement all agreements will trigger a total and indefinite strike.

It further noted that state and federal health institutions with unresolved issues should continue industrial action until credible commitments are made and all outstanding agreements are addressed.