The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening to resume industrial action if all terms of its previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) are not fully implemented.
This comes just two days after the expiration of the agreed deadline for the implementation of the agreements, prompting an emergency meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC).
In a statement released on Friday, the association emphasized that it had suspended its previous strike in good faith after government commitments were made, but that implementation remained outstanding. “Commitments were made. Timelines were agreed. Implementation remains outstanding. These are signed commitments — not negotiations,” NARD stated.
Under the banner of “TICS 2.0 – No implementation, no going back,” the association accused the government of neglecting, altering, or only partially fulfilling agreements, which has eroded previous gains and exacerbated the suffering of resident doctors.
NARD stressed that the responsibility for averting another nationwide strike rests squarely with the government.
While acknowledging that industrial action is a last resort, the association warned that continued silence or delays could force difficult decisions.
“No one wants to embark on such actions of industrial disharmony. It becomes the last resort when those saddled with the responsibility of governance turn a blind eye to the realities of the suffering of NARDites,” the statement added.
NARD called on the federal government and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to act urgently, stating that immediate implementation of the MoU could restore trust and protect Nigeria’s health system.
“The clock has run out. Immediate action can restore trust, protect the health system, and avert TICS 2.0.”
The association also rejected what it described as the persistent portrayal of resident doctors as troublemakers, insisting that its members are the backbone of healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
