The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government and extended its ultimatum by four weeks over unpaid salaries and allowances.

The decision followed an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on June 27, 2026, after the expiration of the association's previous 21-day ultimatum.

"The association cannot guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week window if all its demands are not fully addressed," the communiqué, released on June 28, warned.

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

Among the unresolved issues, the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund had yet to be disbursed despite repeated government assurances, according to NARD.

The association also expressed concern over persistent delays in paying House Officers' salaries and outstanding entitlements across several centres, as well as the continued non-payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS upward review arrears and outstanding 19 months of Professional Allowance arrears.

"NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments," the communiqué stated.

The communiqué was jointly signed by NARD's President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.

NARD raised concerns over what it described as continued victimisation of members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex in Ile-Ife, warning they would resist "any form of intimidation, harassment or actions capable of undermining their members".

The association also condemned attempts by OAUTHC management to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, despite an existing government circular abolishing the practice.

NARD further criticised Lagos University Teaching Hospital management for continued refusal to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty, describing the denial as "an anti-welfare practice".

Any hospital management that failed to provide the entitlement would be held responsible for "any industrial disharmony arising from the situation," the communiqué warned.

Despite grievances, NARD acknowledged progress in addressing assaults on healthcare workers, noting that ministerial committee reports investigating workplace violence, excessive workload, prolonged call hours, and abusive locum appointments were "near completion."

The association also commended some state governments and private tertiary health institutions for implementing welfare measures, including payment of Professional Allowance arrears, Specialist Allowance, and disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund.

However, it maintained that implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government remained "slow and unsatisfactory."

On June 20, the Finance Minister reportedly approved the transfer of 2026 MRTF funds, with the Health Ministry processing the beneficiary list, but NARD's June 28 communiqué explicitly stated that the funds had not yet been disbursed.

NARD mandated its National Officers' Committee to activate all necessary processes for industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period.

The association will review compliance levels at its July 2026 National Executive Council meeting scheduled for Gombe State.