By Joseph Erunke, Abuja
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and issued a fresh four-week ultimatum, warning that a nationwide strike may become inevitable if longstanding welfare and professional concerns affecting doctors are not addressed.
The decision was reached at an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, where the association reviewed developments following the expiration of an earlier 21-day ultimatum issued to the government.
In a communiqué released on Sunday and jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to honour commitments on the payment of outstanding allowances, salary arrears and the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
The association expressed concern that, despite repeated assurances, the 2026 MRTF has yet to be released, while many House Officers across the country continue to experience delays in salary payments and other entitlements.
