The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern warning that it may resume its suspended nationwide industrial action if the Federal Government fails to fulfill its promises within the agreed timeframe.
Two-Week Ultimatum Issued to Federal Government
This fresh alert was declared by NARD officials in Ogun State on Monday, January 12, 2026. They stated that the association's National Executive Council (NEC) could call doctors back to the picket lines if the government's commitments remain unmet after the two-week suspension period ends.
Recall that NARD had suspended its nationwide strike following a direct intervention led by Vice President Kashim Shettima and intense persuasion from other key stakeholders.
Doctors Lament Neglect and Mass Exodus
Speaking on the suspension, Dr. Quadri Olanipekun, President of NARD at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abeokuta, expressed hope that the FG would honor its word. He, however, cautioned that failure to do so would leave the union with no choice but to resume the strike.
Dr. Olanipekun lamented the government's alleged negligence of the doctors' core demands, which include the payment of salary arrears and other welfare issues. He made a passionate appeal for the welfare of doctors who have chosen to remain in Nigeria.
"These are professionals who have refused to seek greener pastures abroad out of love for their country," he said. He revealed a staggering statistic: approximately 20,000 doctors have left the profession in Nigeria over the last five years, with less than 10,000 currently remaining in the field.
Nationwide Concerns as Deadline Looms
Echoing similar concerns, Dr. Chidi Ikwumezie, President of NARD at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta, emphasized that while he could not speak definitively for the NEC, the expectation was clear. He expressed hope that all demands agreed upon with the Federal Government would be met before the two-week suspension expires.
The situation places the nation's public healthcare system on high alert, with the potential for another major disruption if a resolution is not reached promptly. The coming days will be critical for negotiations between the doctors' union and the Federal Government.
