The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to commence on August 10, 2026, citing the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with the association and address longstanding welfare and workplace concerns.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Annual National Scientific Conference held in Gombe.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, NARD National President, Dr. Muhammed Usman Suleiman, said the industrial action became inevitable following the government’s inability to resolve critical issues affecting resident doctors across the country.
According to him, resident doctors continue to face intimidation, harassment and, in some cases, physical assaults in federal health institutions. He also highlighted poor welfare conditions, unpaid allowances, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the denial of professional entitlements as major concerns.
Suleiman noted that despite several engagements with relevant government authorities, the association’s demands remain largely unaddressed.
“The strike is unavoidable due to circumstances beyond the control of the association. Our members can no longer continue to work under conditions that undermine their welfare, safety and professional dignity,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to urgently meet the association’s demands before the planned commencement date to avert another disruption in healthcare services nationwide.
The conference, themed “Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Resident Doctors at the Forefront,” brought together resident doctors from across Nigeria to deliberate on strategies for improving the country’s healthcare system while advancing the welfare of medical professionals.
The event was hosted by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi.
Comments