By Ayomide Otitoju
The University of Port Harcourt chapter of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has joined its national body in demanding full implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Federal Government, warning of a nationwide strike despite a court order.
The MoU, anchored on NARD’s nineteen-point demands, addresses critical issues affecting resident doctors in Nigeria, including welfare, remuneration, and professional practice conditions.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court, Abuja, on Friday, issued an order restraining NARD and its members from embarking on the strike scheduled to begin on January 12. The ruling followed an ex parte motion filed by the Federal Government and the Attorney General of the Federation, with submissions led by Maimuna Lami Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation at the Federal Ministry of Justice.
At a press briefing in Port Harcourt, NARD UniPort President Dr. Ezinne Kalu said the union had previously suspended its strike in November 2025, trusting the federal government to implement the MoU. “Unfortunately, it has not been implemented,” she said.
Dr. Kalu explained that the National Executive Council (NEC) reconvened on January 2, 2026, to review government compliance with agreed commitments. The NEC communiqué, signed by NARD National President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, General Secretary Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim, raised serious concerns over multiple issues. These include:
Redeployment of five disengaged Resident Doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, against committee recommendations
Delays in promotions, salary arrears, and partial implementation of the Professional Allowance Table
Ambiguities in entry-level placements and exclusion from Specialist Allowances
Delayed House Officers’ salaries, slow regulation of locum engagements, prolonged work hours, and stalled Collective Bargaining Agreement processes
Unpaid salaries and allowances across several institutions, affecting roughly 40% of members
Deteriorating hospital infrastructure, outdated equipment, and delays in Special Pension Benefits
The NEC demanded immediate government action, including the reinstatement of the five Lokoja doctors, full payment of arrears, clarification of entry-level placements, and full implementation of Professional and Specialist Allowances.
The council warned that failure to comply would compel NARD to resume the previously suspended indefinite strike from 12:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026. It directed all members in the country’s 91 tertiary health institutions to withdraw services indefinitely until the Federal and affected State Governments show concrete commitment to the Association’s demands. The union also urged its leadership nationwide to coordinate peaceful protests if the government fails to act.
The NEC expressed appreciation to key officials for their support, including Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Didi Esther Wilson-Jack, Senate Committee on Health Chairman Senator Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, Labour Minister Alh. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, and Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Finance Minister Chief Wale Edun.
