The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike from August 10, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to meet its outstanding demands, including the payment of salary arrears, allowances, and improvements to doctors' welfare.

The decision was reached at the association's Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) held in Gombe and communicated in a statement jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.

According to the communiqué, the association expressed dissatisfaction with the Federal Government's slow implementation of previously agreed commitments, warning that it would proceed with a total and comprehensive industrial strike if the issues remain unresolved.

"The National Executive Council (NEC) resolved to embark on a total and comprehensive industrial strike commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, should the Federal Government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues contained in this communiqué before the expiration of the stipulated timeline," the statement read.

While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, NARD stressed that the welfare of resident doctors and the survival of Nigeria's healthcare system cannot be compromised.

Among its key demands are the immediate payment of outstanding arrears from the 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) upward review, 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and outstanding salary and promotion arrears owed to doctors in federal health institutions.

The association also called for the swift conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers' Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), alongside urgent intervention to address welfare concerns affecting house officers.

In addition, NARD gave the Federal Government until August 10 to resolve the crisis at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), alleging persistent intimidation of resident doctors by the hospital management and the continued refusal to provide call-duty meals despite repeated engagements.

The doctors further urged the government to strengthen security measures protecting healthcare workers from workplace assaults, pay omitted beneficiaries of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), improve healthcare infrastructure across the country, and recruit more medical personnel to address workforce shortages.

NARD has on several occasions threatened industrial action over what it describes as the Federal Government's failure to honour agreements reached with the association, warning that continued delays could further strain Nigeria's already challenged healthcare system.