The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has raised the alarm over a possible nationwide shutdown of medical services, warning that a new round of industrial action may be unavoidable if the Federal Government continues to ignore an existing agreement with the association.
In a strongly worded appeal addressed to senior medical professionals and respected elders, NARD said Nigeria’s health sector is on the verge of another total and indefinite strike due to the Federal Ministry of Health’s failure to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed with resident doctors.
The appeal, posted on X on Sunday by NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, was titled “Urgent Appeal to Avert a Looming Nationwide NARD Strike (TICS 2.0).” It warned that the country could soon experience a complete collapse of services in public hospitals if the situation persists.
NARD recalled that it suspended an indefinite strike on November 29 after 29 days of industrial action, following the signing of the MoU with the Federal Government. Under the agreement, the government committed to addressing the association’s demands within a four-week timeframe.
However, the doctors said those commitments have not been honoured, despite repeated extensions and engagements.
In the statement, Ibrahim 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.”
The association explained that after suspending its initial strike, it issued a two-week ultimatum, which elapsed without a response. This was followed by a 30-day extension as a gesture of goodwill, and later an additional seven-day extension, all of which failed to yield results.
According to NARD, limited engagement only occurred after the commencement of its first Total and Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS 1.0), leading to the MoU with clearly defined 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,” the association said.
NARD stressed that resident doctors are central to service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals and warned that renewed strike action would severely disrupt healthcare nationwide, affecting millions of patients.
“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,” the statement said.
The association added that continued neglect of doctors’ welfare is taking a toll on morale.
“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.”
NARD appealed to respected medical elders to intervene, expressing confidence that their influence could compel government action and avert another healthcare crisis.
“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,” the association concluded.
