The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), on Saturday, declared an industrial disagreement with the Federal Government, extending the four-week deadline for the implementation of its outstanding demands. The association warned that it may embark on nationwide industrial action if the issues remain unresolved.

The new decision was taken at the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday, to evaluate developments since the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.

In a communiqué released on Sunday and jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new four-week window if its demands were not fully met.

NARD also mandated its National Officers’ Committee to activate necessary processes in preparation for industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period. The association accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to fulfil commitments relating to doctors’ welfare, including the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.

Among the unresolved issues, NARD noted that the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) had yet to be disbursed despite repeated assurances from the government. “NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments,” the communiqué stated.

The association expressed concerns over the victimization of their members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, and condemned attempts by OAUTHC management to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions despite existing government directives.

Despite these grievances, NARD acknowledged some progress made in areas such as addressing assaults on healthcare workers and the disbursement of welfare measures by certain state governments and private institutions. However, the association indicated that the implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government remains slow and unsatisfactory.

Among its demands are the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, the payment of all outstanding salary, promotion, and Professional Allowance arrears, as well as improved protection for healthcare workers. NARD stated it would review the level of compliance with its resolutions at its July 2026 National Executive Council meeting scheduled to be held in Gombe State.