The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a firm ultimatum to the Federal Government, declaring its intention to resume a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday, January 12, 2026, despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court.
The union is demanding the full implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government, which addresses nineteen critical points concerning welfare, remuneration, and professional practice.
This stance was reinforced by the NARD chapter at the University of Port Harcourt, aligning with the national body. President Dr. Ezinne Kalu stated that the strike, initially suspended in November 2025 on the promise of the MoU’s implementation, must now resume due to the government’s failure to act.
The decision follows a January 2 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which cited numerous unfulfilled commitments, including, unresolved redeployment of five disengaged doctors from Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, Persistent delays in promotions and payment of salary arrears, Partial and ambiguous implementation of the Professional Allowance Table and entry-level placements and Non-payment of Specialist Allowances and House Officers’ salaries.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court had earlier issued an order on Friday restraining NARD from proceeding with the strike, following an ex-parte motion filed by the Federal Government.
Defying the court order, NARD’s NEC has directed all members across 91 tertiary health institutions to withdraw services indefinitely. The union has also mandated nationwide peaceful protests if the government fails to meet its demands, while expressing gratitude to some government officials for their previous support.
The clock is now ticking toward a Monday shutdown of doctor-led services in public tertiary hospitals unless a last-minute resolution is reached.
