Posted on: Fri 09-01-2026

Doctors at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, under the aegis of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), have announced their decision to join the nationwide strike action declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), slated to commence on Monday, January 12, 2026.

 

The decision was contained in a statement jointly signed by the ARD President, Dr. Awuzie Chinemezu Donald; Secretary, Dr. Okedinachi Enweani; and Public Relations Officer, Dr. Maryam Ahmed Almustapha, and made available to journalists on Thursday.

 

According to the statement, the FMC Abuja ARD executive committee expressed deep frustration over what it described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to honour agreements reached with NARD, despite repeated engagements and assurances.

 

The doctors cited worsening welfare conditions, systemic neglect and repeated breaches of agreements as major factors affecting morale, training and healthcare delivery across the country.

 

The statement noted that the planned industrial action, tagged Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) 2.0, is anchored on nine key demands. These include the reinstatement of five doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; implementation of outstanding promotions and payment of salary arrears; and the full implementation of professional allowances with all accrued arrears captured in the 2026 national budget.

 

Other demands include clarification by the Federal Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Service on skipping and entry-level placement issues, reintroduction of specialist allowances, and the resolution of persistent salary delays affecting house officers.

 

“The healthcare system cannot function optimally when its workforce is consistently disrespected, overworked and subjected to broken agreements,” the committee stated.

 

The FMC Abuja doctors emphasised their commitment to professional dignity and fair labour practices, urging the Federal Government to urgently address the unresolved issues.

 

“This action has become inevitable due to the continued failure of the Federal Government to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed with NARD, despite repeated engagements, assurances and ample time provided for implementation,” the statement said.

 

It further stressed that resident doctors remain critical to the survival of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system, warning that continued neglect could threaten the sustainability of quality healthcare delivery nationwide.

 

While acknowledging the potential inconvenience the strike may cause patients and the general public, the association appealed for understanding.

 

“We remain deeply conscious of the inconvenience this strike may pose to patients and the general public. We call on the Federal Government to urgently demonstrate sincerity by fully implementing all outstanding agreements,” the statement concluded.

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