The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to fully implement outstanding agreements on salaries, allowances, and welfare, warning that failure to do so could lead to renewed industrial action.
The resolution was reached at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference held in Jos, Plateau State, from January 25 to 29, 2026.
In a communiqué signed by its president, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, NARD acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other stakeholders in addressing some of its longstanding demands.
The association commended the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and praised the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in resolving parts of the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and accoutrement allowance arrears.
NARD also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities, with assurances from the Minister of Finance that payment would be expedited.
However, the doctors expressed concern over delays in issuing a circular affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors, as well as the continued non-payment of the professional allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act.
The association further raised concerns over persistent salary arrears in several health institutions and warned of deteriorating industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, calling for urgent government intervention.
“The NEC demands the immediate clearance of the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears within the two-week timeline assured by IPPIS, following the intervention of the Ministry of Labour,” the communiqué stated.
While extending the suspension of its total indefinite comprehensive strike for another four weeks as a goodwill gesture, NARD warned that it would reconsider its stance if all outstanding issues are not resolved within the agreed timeframe.
