iDeemlawfulThe Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has cautioned that the nation could soon experience another nationwide halt in medical services, citing the Federal Government’s failure to fulfil a Memorandum of Understanding earlier reached with the association.
In an urgent message directed at senior medical professionals and respected elders, shared on X on Sunday and titled “Urgent Appeal to Avert a Looming Nationwide NARD Strike (TICS 2.0),” the NARD Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, warned that the country was edging toward a total and indefinite comprehensive strike.
The association stated that such action would be unavoidable if the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government continued to disregard several deadlines set for implementing the MoU signed with resident doctors.
NARD recalled that it called off its indefinite strike on November 29 after 29 days of industrial action, following the execution of an MoU with the government.
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Under the terms of the agreement, the government pledged to meet NARD’s demands within a four-week period.
The association, however, cautioned that it would return to a total, indefinite and comprehensive strike should the Federal Government fail to carry out the agreed demands within the stipulated four weeks.
In a statement, the association said, “I write to you at a critical moment for Nigeria’s health sector and the medical profession. As revered elders, past and present leaders, and custodians of the values that have long sustained our noble calling, your voices carry unmatched moral authority and national weight.
“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 stressed that resident doctors remain the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals, noting that they are overworked and increasingly demoralised.
The association appealed to senior medical elders to step in, saying their influence could pressure the government to act and prevent another nationwide disruption 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 the government’s failure to implement the MoU within agreed timelines could result in another complete disruption of hospital services, potentially affecting millions of patients nationwide.
“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 yet to issue a response to the development.