Resident doctors threaten fresh strike over unfulfilled agreements
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has issued a warning that the nation may soon experience another nationwide cessation of medical services, due to the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill a Memorandum of Understanding that was previously established with the association.
In an urgent appeal directed at senior medical professionals and esteemed elders, which was shared on X on Sunday and titled “Urgent Appeal to Avert a Looming Nationwide NARD Strike (TICS 2.0),” NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, expressed concern that the country is on the verge of a complete and indefinite comprehensive strike.
The association indicated that the strike would be an unavoidable consequence of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government neglecting several deadlines for the execution of the MoU signed with resident doctors.
NARD reminded that it had suspended its indefinite strike on November 29, after 29 days of industrial action, following the signing of an MoU with the government.
According to the agreement, the government pledged to address NARD’s demands within a four-week timeframe.
However, the association cautioned that it would initiate a total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike if the Federal Government does not fulfill the agreed-upon demands within the specified four weeks.
In a statement, the association remarked, “I write to you at a critical moment for Nigeria’s health sector and the medical profession. As esteemed elders, past and present leaders, and guardians of the values that have long upheld our noble calling, your voices possess unparalleled moral authority and national significance.
“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.”
NARD emphasised that resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals, adding that they are overworked and increasingly demoralised.
The association called on senior medical elders to intervene, saying their influence could compel the government to act and avert another nationwide crisis in healthcare services.
“For clarity, the sequence of events over the past few months underscores NARD’s patience and restraint. Following the suspension of the warning strike, NARD issued a two-week ultimatum, which elapsed without any meaningful response from the Federal Ministry of Health or the Federal Government at the last AGM.
“This ultimatum was subsequently extended by 30 days as a form of goodwill, again without response. A further seven-day extension was granted, still without response. Consequently, TICS 1.0 commenced, prompting limited engagement that culminated in the signing of an MoU with clear timelines.
“Today marks the 31st day after the signing of the MoU, yet there has been no visible or substantive progress on its implementation. In this context, it is only fair to state that resident doctors should not be blamed if industrial action resumes, having repeatedly demonstrated patience while government obligations remain unmet,” it added.
The association warned that failure by the government to implement the MoU within the agreed timelines could lead to another total disruption of hospital services, potentially affecting millions of patients across the country.
“It is important to emphasise that NARD has shown uncommon restraint and patriotism. Strikes were suspended, timelines were extended, and multiple conciliatory meetings were honoured, all in the hope that commitments made by the government would translate into concrete action. Regrettably, most of these commitments remain unfulfilled, while agreed deadlines have been ignored without explanation.
“Distinguished elders, resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals. They are overworked, continue to experience breakdowns, and are increasingly demoralised. When agreements addressing our welfare endorsed by the Federal Government are treated with levity, it sends a dangerous signal that sacrifice, dialogue and professionalism no longer count.
“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.
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had not issued a response to the development.
