The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, has announced its decision to join the ongoing nationwide strike.
The decision was taken following an extraordinary general meeting of FMC Umuahia’s resident doctors, held on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
Speaking to the press on Friday, the state President of the association, Dr Alaede Godwin, explained that the meeting was convened “to review the NARD decision based on the memorandum of understanding signed with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, arising from NARD’s 19th demand, which addresses critical welfare, remuneration, and professional practice issues affecting our members nationwide.”
He stated, “As members of NARD, we will join the indefinite strike action set to resume on January 12, 2026.”
“This decisive step follows the recent National Executive Council, NEC, meeting, which resolved to take this action due to the federal government’s persistent failure to address our legitimate demands.
“Despite extensive negotiations and the signing of the memorandum of understanding, our concerns remain unaddressed, leaving us with no choice but to withdraw our services.”
“We emphasize that this action is not taken lightly, and we regret any inconvenience it may cause the public.”
“However, we are compelled to stand up against the prolonged neglect of our members’ welfare and the future of medical practice in Nigeria, particularly regarding personnel and infrastructure.”
Dr Alaede further explained that during the NEC meeting on January 2, 2026, the council observed that the actions of the federal government and its agencies were “at variance with, and contrary to, the clear and unambiguous memorandum of understanding signed before the initial strike was suspended.”
“The NEC therefore resolved to demand the following: Immediate and unconditional reinstatement of the five doctors at FTH Lokoja, in line with the recommendation of the duly constituted committee.
“Prompt transmission of compiled promotional arrears owed to resident doctors across various institutions to the Budget Office and Federal Ministry of Finance for processing and payment.
“Immediate transmission of compiled salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions to the Budget Office and Federal Ministry of Finance for urgent processing and payment.”
The NEC stated, “After exhaustive deliberations, and in view of the federal government’s failure to honor the memorandum of understanding freely entered into to address the legitimate demands of NARD, we hereby resolve that the previously suspended comprehensive and indefinite strike will resume from January 12 at 12:00 a.m.”
“All members in the 91 tertiary health institutions, including FMC Umuahia, are directed to withdraw their services completely and indefinitely, until the federal and affected state governments demonstrate genuine, concrete commitments to meeting the association’s demands.”
Dr Alaede added that the association remains open to dialogue and may reconsider its position if the government demonstrates sincerity in addressing their concerns.
He urged the federal government to act immediately to resolve the impasse.
Assuring the public of the doctors’ dedication to healthcare, he said, “We will not compromise on our rights. We are ready to work with the government to find a lasting solution.”
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