Resident Doctors Announce Indefinite Strike Resumption January 12 

By Tgnews Reporter

Nigeria’s healthcare system faces another major disruption as the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) declared on Saturday its intention to resume a total and indefinite strike, known as “TICS 2.0” and sloganed “No Implementation, No Going Back,” effective Monday, January 12, 2026, at midnight.

The decision, announced in a statement signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, follows an Emergency National Executive Council meeting on Friday and stems from the Federal Government’s failure to fulfill commitments outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November.

NARD had suspended a 29-day indefinite strike on November 29, 2025, after the MoU was signed, which promised resolution of outstanding demands within four weeks.

However, the association accused the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of disregarding multiple deadlines, prompting last week’s warning of an impending nationwide medical services shutdown.

To amplify their grievances, NARD has mandated centre presidents across its 91 affiliates to hold congress meetings and conduct press conferences, resulting in simultaneous media engagements nationwide over the next seven days.

The union also plans a series of protests, starting with centre-based demonstrations at hospitals from January 12 to 16, 2026, followed by regional actions and a national protest organised by the National Officers’ Committee.

The statement expressed appreciation for members’ patience and resilience, stressing that the strike would only be called off upon full implementation of minimum demands outlined in the MoU.

These include the reinstatement of five dismissed resident doctors at Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, payment of promotion and salary arrears, full rollout of the professional allowance table with arrears budgeted for 2026, official clarification on skipping and entry-level issues, reintroduction of specialist allowance, resolution of house officers’ salary delays, issuance of a new pay advisory, re-categorisation and certification by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria after Part I examinations, formation of locum and work-hours committees, and conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The one-week notice period allows for statutory notifications to security agencies and hospital administrations.

With public hospitals already under pressure, the renewed industrial action threatens widespread disruptions, potentially worsening access to emergency and routine care across the country. The Federal Government is yet to issue an official response to the latest development.