Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that its members will resume industrial action from January 12, citing unresolved welfare and professional issues.
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision was taken during an emergency national executive council meeting held on January 2, where the association expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to its demands.
In a statement signed by NARD president, Muhammad Suleiman, the body said the strike would begin at 12:00 am on Monday, January 12, 2026.
As part of the planned action, resident doctors across the country have been directed to mobilise at their respective centres.
The association instructed all 91 NARD centres nationwide to hold congress meetings and organise press briefings to explain their grievances to the public.
NARD said, “We want 91 press conferences to saturate the spaces over the next seven days.”
Italso outlined a phased protest strategy. This will start with protests at individual centres between January 12 and 16, followed by regional demonstrations coordinated by caucus leaders. A nationwide protest led by the association’s national officers is expected to conclude the exercise.
The doctors stated that the strike would remain in force until key demands are fully addressed. These include the reinstatement of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and full implementation of the professional allowance table with arrears provided for in the 2026 budget.
Other issues raised involve the return of specialist allowances, delays in house officers’ salaries, clarity on skipping and entry-level placement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the continuation and conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.
The statement said, “TICS 2.0 suspension will only be considered after full implementation of the following minimum demands.”
The association explained that the one-week notice period was created to allow for internal consultations, media engagement, and formal notifications to relevant security agencies and hospital managements.
The statement added, “The NOC appreciates the guidance of NEC and assures all members of full commitment to these resolutions. Engagements will be intensified in the coming days.”
