Resident Doctors Declare National Industrial Dispute, With 4 Weeks Deadline Extension

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, with a warning of a nationwide industrial action.

NARD also extended the deadline for the implementation of its outstanding demands from the Federal Government by four weeks.

The decision was taken at NARD’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, which was held virtually on Saturday.

The leadership of the association used the opportunity to assess developments following the expiration of its earlier twenty-one-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

In a communiqué released on Sunday, NARD said it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new four-week window, if its demands were not fully met.

In preparation for what is to come, NARD mandated its National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary processes in preparation for industrial action, if the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period.

It accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to fulfil commitments relating to doctors’ welfare, including the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances and other entitlements.

The communique was jointly signed by NARD’s President, Doctor MOHAMMAD USMAN SULEIMAN; the Secretary-General, Doctor SHUAIBU IBRAHIM; and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Doctor ABDULMAJID YAHYA IBRAHIM.