Residents doctors issue fresh four-week ultimatum to FG on demands

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday warned that it may ask its members to abandon work if the federal government failed to fully implement outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances and welfare in the next four weeks.

This was contained in a communique issued NARD at the end of its national executive council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference, held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau state.

The communiqué was signed by Mohammad Suleiman, NARD president.

The association expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders for their roles in ongoing engagements.

The NEC listed some of its demands so far implemented by the Federal Government to include the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.

It also commended the intervention of the ministry of labour and employment and the integrated payroll and personnel information system (IPPIS) on the outstanding 25 and 35 percent consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) and accoutrement allowance arrears.

The Association also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to relevant authorities, with assurances from the minister of finance that payments would be expedited.

But it expressed concern over delays in circulating the directive affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors.

NARD also noted non-payment of the professional allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act and persistent salary arrears across several health institutions.

Also, NARD warned The association warned of worsening industrial relations at the Benue state University Teaching Hospital and demanded urgent action, alongside calls for improved welfare, timely release of training funds and renewed investment in health infrastructure nationwide.

Recall that NARD had on 11 January suspended the planned resumption of its ‘Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike’ (TICS 2.0), initially set for Monday, Jan. 12.

NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) announced the suspension of the strike after an emergency meeting aimed to review the status of its demands and evaluate progress achieved through ongoing engagements with key government stakeholders.

NARD’S NEC said its unanimously agreed to suspend the strike after receiving firm commitments from ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Labour and Finance.

Other stakeholders included the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Accountant-General’s Office, IPPIS, the Budget Office, Chief Medical Directors’ Committees, DSS, the National Assembly, and the Vice President.

It added that the commitments were secured following direct intervention by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

It also added that it decided to suspend the strike because some of the demands of its members have been met.