The Association of Resident Doctors of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, on Thursday threw its weight behind the total and indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, scheduled to begin at 12:00 midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The resident doctors decried what they described as the insincerity and insensitivity of the federal government in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding it signed with NARD following the suspension of the association’s 29-day industrial action in November 2025.
The doctors said that more than a month after the government committed to addressing some of their demands, little progress had been made, leaving them with no choice but to join the indefinite strike.
The Chairman of the association, Dr Chidi Ikwumezie, represented by his Vice, Dr Grace Adeniyi, disclosed this on Thursday in Abeokuta while addressing journalists at the resident doctors’ quarters of the hospital.
Ikwumezie explained that the decision to join the national strike followed an emergency general meeting of the hospital’s resident doctors, held virtually on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
He said, “The ARD of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, hereby announces its decision to join the resumption of the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), effective from 12:00 midnight (12 am) on Monday, January 12, 2026.
“This decision follows the continued failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with resident doctors in November 2025, despite repeated engagements, assurances, and ample time provided for compliance.
“This position was reached after an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of ARD, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, held virtually on Sunday, January 4, 2026, where members extensively deliberated on the unresolved welfare and professional issues affecting resident doctors across the country.
“At the end of the meeting, members unanimously resolved to align with the national body in the ongoing struggle for justice, welfare, and professional dignity.”
The industrial action, tagged TICS—“Total, Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike”—and bearing the slogan, “No Implementation, No Going Back,” will remain in force until all their demands are fully implemented.
The ARD listed some of the demands to include the reinstatement of five resident doctors of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears; full implementation of the corrected professional allowance table, with arrears appropriately captured in the 2026 Federal Budget; and official clarification on skipping and entry-level issues by the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission to Chief Executives.
Other demands include the reintroduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance, resolution of House Officers’ salary delays and arrears, including the issuance of a clear pay advisory.
The association reiterated its total and unwavering solidarity with NARD and resident doctors nationwide, noting that the strike has become inevitable due to the government’s persistent failure to honour agreements voluntarily entered into.
It said, “The ARD remains firmly committed to protecting the welfare, professional dignity, and humane working conditions of its members.”
The resident doctors urged the Federal Government to act swiftly and responsibly to avert a total shutdown of services in tertiary health institutions nationwide, warning that continued inaction could have grave consequences for healthcare delivery and the well-being of Nigerians.
They also called on relevant stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the general public to prevail on the government to take urgent action in the overriding interest of the nation’s health sector.
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