The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to resume its suspended nationwide industrial action on January 12, warning of a return to full-scale protests and withdrawal of services if the Federal Government fails to fully implement its long-standing demands.
The decision followed an expanded National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday, January 2. Members were subsequently briefed via the association’s official X platform, where the President, Dr Muhammad Suleiman, addressed medical and dental trainees on behalf of the National Officers Committee (NOC).
In the update, NARD unveiled a renewed action plan tagged TICS 2.0, with the slogan “No Implementation, No Going Back.” According to the resolution, the association will resume the action at exactly 12:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, unless its minimum demands are met.
Key demands include the reinstatement of five doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears; and full implementation of the professional allowance table, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget. Other demands involve clarification on skipping and entry-level placement issues, reintroduction of the Specialist Allowance, resolution of house officers’ salary delays, and reforms in postgraduate training certification.
NARD said the one-week window before the strike resumption was designed to allow congress meetings, media engagement, and statutory notifications to security agencies and hospital managements nationwide.
The NOC affirmed its full alignment with the NEC resolutions and assured members that engagements with relevant authorities would be intensified. As part of preparations, presidents of all 91 NARD centres have been directed to convene congress meetings and address the public, with the aim of dominating national discourse on doctors’ welfare in the coming days.
Why cant the government prioritize healthcare workers needs? We need a sustainable solution, not just temporary fixes. #SupportOurDoctors
Do these doctors have legitimate concerns or are they being unreasonable? Lets discuss! #HealthcareDebate
I think the government should address the resident doctors demands to avoid disrupting healthcare services. Its a tough situation for everyone involved.
I think the resident doctors have a valid point for going on strike. Their demands must be met for a better healthcare system.
I believe resident doctors have a right to demand better working conditions for their safety and patient care. Solidarity with them!