The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced plans to resume its suspended nationwide indefinite strike from Monday, January 12, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to fully meet its key demands. The decision was reached at an expanded National Executive Council meeting held on Friday, January 2, after which the association briefed members through its official X handle.
NARD said the renewed industrial action, code named TICS 2.0 and carrying the slogan “No Implementation, No Going Back”, will begin at exactly 12.00 a.m. on January 12. The NEC stressed that the strike will only be suspended if government fully implements nine minimum demands outlined in its latest resolution.
The demands include the reinstatement of five resident doctors disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and full implementation of the professional allowance table with arrears provided for in the 2026 budget. NARD is also seeking clear directives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on skipping and entry level placements, the reintroduction and payment of specialist allowance, and a lasting solution to delayed house officers’ salaries and arrears.
Other resolutions cover the re categorisation and timely issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, the activation of locum and work hours regulation committees, and speedy conclusion of a comprehensive Collective Bargaining Agreement. The association said these steps are essential to improving working conditions, retaining medical talent and stabilising Nigeria’s public health system.
NARD explained that the one week window before the strike is meant for congress meetings at all 91 centres, broad media engagement and formal notification of security agencies and hospital managements nationwide. The National Officers Committee pledged full support for the NEC resolutions and promised to intensify talks with government, while directing centre leaders to organise protests from January 12 to 16, followed by regional and then national demonstrations.
The association urged its members to remain calm, united and focused as it enters what it described as a decisive phase in the push for better welfare and a more functional health sector. It also signalled plans to keep doctors’ welfare and health funding at the centre of public debate in the days leading up to the planned strike.