The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to resume a total, indefinite strike if the Federal Government fails to meet agreed demands within four weeks.
The warning came after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Monday.
The communique was signed by NARD President Dr Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
It followed the suspension of a 29-day strike on Saturday, after the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the association.
“The strike is suspended for four weeks to allow monitoring of implementation. Failure to fully implement agreements will result in the resumption of a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike,” the communique stated.
The NEC reviewed progress on various agreements, including the seven-month arrears for the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
While payments up to December 2023 have been processed through the Integrated Personnel Payroll and Information System, NARD noted some failed or omitted payments that require reconciliation.
Significant portions of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance have been paid, though incomplete payments are still being reconciled.
The committee report for the five disengaged resident doctors at Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, is expected to be fully implemented within two weeks of 27 November 2025.
Other measures include an advisory discouraging prolonged work and call hours, with a taskforce set up to develop formal policy within two months.
The Federal Government has also directed one-to-one replacement to address manpower shortages and prevent burnout, with feedback expected by 28 November 2025.
The communique further highlighted progress on promotion arrears, universal application of CONMESS, locum engagement policies, specialist allowances, and the resolution of entry point downgrades.
Ministries of Health, Labour, and Employment are tasked with expediting the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.
“All remaining agreements from conciliatory meetings must be implemented immediately. Strict monitoring of compliance will continue, and failure to fully implement the agreements within four weeks will trigger a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike,” NARD emphasised.
The NEC directed that arrears and outstanding salaries for hospitals including Otukpo, Owo, Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, and Uyo be transmitted to the Budget Office and Ministry of Finance for payment within one month.
Local issues in state teaching hospitals, particularly Benue State University Teaching Hospital, require urgent resolution.
The association also stressed that special pension benefits under the Nigerian Medical Association MoU, as well as consultant cadres for other health professionals, will be addressed under the CBA, with progress already noted on other MoU demands.
