Residents doctors issue fresh four-week ultimatum to FG on demands
30, January 2026
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it may direct its members to withdraw their services if the federal government fails to fully implement outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances and welfare within the next four weeks.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held in Jos, Plateau State, from January 25 to 29, 2026. The communiqué was signed by the association’s president, Dr Mohammad Suleiman.
NARD expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and other key stakeholders for their roles in ongoing engagements aimed at resolving the association’s demands.
According to the NEC, some progress has been made, including the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. The association also commended the intervention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in addressing outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and accoutrement allowance arrears.
NARD further noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payments would be fast-tracked.
However, the association expressed concern over delays in issuing a circular affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors. It also highlighted the non-payment of the professional allowance captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent salary arrears across several health institutions.
The doctors’ body warned of deteriorating industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent intervention. It also demanded improved welfare for resident doctors, timely release of training funds and renewed investment in health infrastructure nationwide.
NARD recalled that on January 11 it suspended a planned resumption of its “Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike” (TICS 2.0), which was scheduled to begin on January 12. The suspension followed an emergency NEC meeting to assess the status of its demands and review progress made through engagements with government officials.
According to the association, the decision to suspend the strike was unanimous and came after receiving firm commitments from the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Labour and Finance, as well as other stakeholders, including the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, the Accountant-General’s Office, IPPIS, the Budget Office, Chief Medical Directors’ Committees, the Department of State Services, the National Assembly and the Vice President.
NARD said the commitments were secured following the direct intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Tinubu, adding that the suspension of the strike was also based on the fact that some of its members’ demands had already been met.