The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) has announced its participation in the nationwide indefinite strike that will begin on Monday. The strike is intended to press for the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 29 November 2025 between NARD and the Federal Government. Dr. Yusuf Ibrahim, Vice‑President of the ABUTH chapter, said the decision to join the strike was unanimously endorsed by members during a congress. In addition to the work stoppage, the chapter will conduct picketing and peaceful protests within the hospital premises.
Dr. Ibrahim explained that the MoU, which contains clear timelines for implementation, was signed after NARD’s initial nationwide strike on 1 November 2025. It addresses 19 demands concerning welfare, remuneration and professional practice issues affecting resident doctors across the country. A key provision, with a two‑week implementation timeline, calls for the reinstatement of disengaged resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, Kogi. Instead of reinstating them, the government has attempted to redeploy these doctors to other hospitals, contrary to the MoU’s terms.
The ABUTH chapter also voiced concerns about the delay in forwarding compiled promotion arrears owed to resident doctors to the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Finance for payment. It criticized the failure to fully implement the approved professional allowance table, including accrued arrears, which was omitted from the 2026 national budget. Moreover, the association highlighted ambiguity surrounding skipping and entry‑level placement, urging the Federal Ministry of Health to issue clear directives to chief executives of health institutions and other stakeholders.
The chapter’s decision to re‑join the nationwide strike stems from the federal government’s failure to demonstrate a clear commitment to implementing the MoU. Resident doctors across the country will commence the strike on Monday, demanding that the government honor the agreements outlined in the MoU. Implementing these agreements is crucial for addressing the welfare and professional practice issues affecting resident doctors, and the strike is expected to have significant implications for the healthcare sector.
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