By RismadarVoice Media
December 29, 2025
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) have warned that the country may soon witness another nationwide shutdown of medical services, following the Federal Government’s failure to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Association.
The warning was contained in an urgent appeal issued on Sunday by the Secretary-General of NARD, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, posted on X under the title “Urgent Appeal to Avert a Looming Nationwide NARD Strike (TICS 2.0).”
According to the Association, Nigeria is on the brink of a Total, Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS 2.0) due to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government’s continued failure to honour agreed timelines contained in the MoU.
NARD recalled that it suspended its 29-day indefinite strike on November 29 after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government, under which the government committed to meeting the doctors’ demands within four weeks.
However, the Association said the deadline has elapsed without any visible or substantive progress.
“Today marks the 31st day after the signing of the MoU, yet there has been no implementation of the agreed terms,” the Association said, warning that resident doctors should not be blamed if industrial action resumes.
In the statement, NARD appealed to senior medical professionals and respected elders in the medical field to intervene, stressing that their moral authority could compel government action, avert another healthcare crisis.
“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors stands on the brink of another nationwide industrial action, Total and Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS 2.0), triggered by the failure of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Federal Government to honour the Memorandum of Understanding freely entered into with NARD,” the statement read.
The Association described the situation as a breakdown of trust and good faith in government – professional relations, noting that resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals.
NARD detailed a series of extensions granted to the government after earlier ultimatums expired, including a two-week ultimatum, a 30-day extension, and a further seven-day grace period, all of which passed without meaningful response.
“This sequence of events underscores NARD’s patience and restraint,” the Association said.
It warned that failure to implement the MoU could result in a total disruption of hospital services nationwide, with severe consequences for millions of patients.
While emphasizing its commitment to dialogue and patriotism, NARD said continued neglect of agreements addressing doctors’ welfare was demoralizing, dangerous for the health sector.
“We therefore humbly but urgently appeal to you to prevail on the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Government to take immediate, visible steps to honour the MoU,” the Association stated.
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare had not issued any official response to the warning.
