The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plan of an indefinite strike from January 12, 2026.

The resolution was contained in an update notice, posted on X, on Saturday, and signed by NARD’s president, Mohammad Suleiman.

The association stated that it would resume healthcare services nationwide only after its nine major demands were fully implemented.

According to NARD, every chapter president across its centres is expected to schedule congress meetings, organise a press conference, and hold centre-based protests from January 12 to 16, 2026.

“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 read.

Decrying government’s disregard for its members’ welfare, the association noted that its diplomatic efforts yielded no results.

The association called for the immediate reinstatement of the five suspended Lokoja doctors, payment of promotion and salary arrears, full implementation of professional allowances, official clarification on skipping and entry-level issues, including reintroduction and implementation of specialist allowance.

Other demands include “the resolution of house officers’ salary delays and arrears, issuance of pay advisory, re-categorisation of membership certificates and issuance of certificates after Part I by the NPMCN, commencement of locum and work-hours regulation committees, as well as the resumption and timely conclusion of the CBA process.”

The association stated that the national body considered a one-week period to convene congress meetings, engage the media and issue notifications of the planned protest to appropriate security agencies and hospital management.

The association suspended its last strike on November 29, 2025, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the government.

A month after the agreed implementation timelines, the association said the federal government’s inaction would lead to a total disruption of hospital services, and in turn affect thousands of patients in need of medical attention.