The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it may resume nationwide industrial action if the federal government fails to fully implement the memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier signed with the association.
In a statement issued on Friday, NARD said its national executive council (NEC) was convening an emergency meeting to decide its next course of action under what it described as “TICS 2.0 – No implementation, no going back”.
The association said Friday marked the second day after the expiration of the deadline agreed with the federal government for the implementation of the MoU, a development that necessitated the NEC meeting.
“Today, the national executive council members shall make a determination of the modus operandi for NARD TICS 2.0: NO IMPLEMENTATION, NO GOING BACK,” the statement reads.
NARD explained that it suspended its previous strike in good faith following assurances from the government, but said those commitments had yet to be fully carried out.
“Commitments were made. Timelines were agreed. Implementation remains outstanding. These are signed commitments — not negotiations,” the association said.
The doctors stressed that the burden of preventing another nationwide strike rests squarely on the government, not on the endurance of healthcare workers.
“The responsibility to avert another nationwide doctors’ strike lies with government action, not doctors’ patience,” the statement reads.
The association accused the government of failing to honour several aspects of agreements reached with resident doctors, alleging that some provisions were ignored, altered or only partially executed. It added that earlier achievements had been eroded by prevailing economic conditions.
“Agreements have been either totally neglected, altered or half implemented. Gains made have been allowed to be overtaken by events totally of the making of government,” the association said.
NARD also rejected claims that resident doctors are habitually disruptive, insisting that its members play a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery system.
While reiterating that industrial action remains a measure of last resort, the association warned that continued delays or silence from the authorities could force difficult decisions.
“It is not a crime to read medicine in the university, it is certainly not a crime to be a member of NARD in Nigeria. We have not offended anyone by constituting ourselves as the backbone of healthcare service delivery in Nigeria,” the statement added.
“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 association urged the federal government and the federal ministry of health and social welfare to act swiftly, saying that prompt implementation of the agreements could help rebuild trust and safeguard the health sector.
“The clock has run out. Immediate action can restore trust, protect the health system, and avert TICS 2.0,” the association said.
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