Resident doctors threaten fresh strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD,  has issued a warning to the Federal Government, announcing that there may be a nationwide strike and shutdown of medical services.

The announcement, made in a statement released on X, noted that the strike may happen if the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government keeps ignoring the deadline for the implementation of the MoU signed by resident doctors in the country.

“I write to you at a critical moment for Nigeria’s health sector and the medical profession. As revered elders, past and present leaders, and custodians of the values that have long sustained our noble calling, your voices carry unmatched moral authority and national weight. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors stands on the brink of another nationwide industrial action — Total and Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS 2.0) — triggered by the failure of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government to honour the Memorandum of Understanding freely entered into with NARD. This development is deeply distressing, not only because of its implications for healthcare delivery, but because it represents a breakdown of trust, sincerity, and good faith in government–professional relations,” the statement reads.

NARD also claimed that resident doctors often get overworked and demoralised, appealing to the government to act fast by honouring the MoU. They stated that a timely action can avert the looming strike action, stressing the need for an intervention.

”We therefore humbly but urgently appeal to you to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Health, and by extension the Federal Government, to take immediate and visible steps to honour the MoU with NARD. Your timely intervention can still avert this looming crisis, restore confidence and prevent yet another avoidable disruption to healthcare services across the country. History has shown that when respected medical elders speak, governments listen. This is one of those defining moments where your intervention can preserve industrial harmony, safeguard patients’ lives and protect the integrity of our profession. Nigeria’s patients, our colleagues and the future of the nation’s health system are counting on you,” it concluded.