Ogun resident doctors vow to join nationwide strike

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Neuropsychiatric Hospital (NPH), Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has announced its decision to join the resumption of the nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), effective from Monday, January 12.

The body said its decision followed the continued failure of the Federal Government to fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with resident doctors in November 2025, despite repeated engagements and assurances.

The ARD, Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, took the position after an Emergency General Meeting (EGM) of the association, held virtually, on Sunday.

Briefing newsmen at the hospital on Thursday, the ARD President, Dr. Chidi E. Ikwumezie, flanked by other members of the executive and leaders of the branch, explained that at the EGM, 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,” Ikwumezie, who was represented by the Vice President, Dr. Grace Adeniyi, said.

According to him, the industrial action, tagged “TICS (Total, Indefinite and Comprehensive Strike) 2.0”, with the slogan “No Implementation, No Going Back,” shall remain in force until the full implementation of the association’s demands.

Some of the demands include the reinstatement of the five resident doctors of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja; payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears; and full implementation of the corrected professional allowance table, with arrears appropriately captured in the 2026 Federal Budget.

Other agitations include official clarification on skipping and entry-level issues by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to chief executives, as well as the re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance.

The aggrieved doctors also seek the resolution of house officers’ salary delays and arrears, including the issuance of a clear pay advisory; re-categorisation of membership certificates and issuance of certificates following Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN); and the commencement of the locum practice and work-hours regulation committee’s activities.

Ikwumezie reiterated the solidarity of resident doctors at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, with NARD and resident doctors across the country.

“This action is not taken lightly; however, it has become inevitable due to the persistent failure of the government to honour agreements voluntarily entered into.

“We remain firmly committed to protecting the welfare, professional dignity, and humane working conditions of our members,” the president declared.

He 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 poses grave consequences for healthcare delivery and the wellbeing of Nigerians.

He also called on relevant stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the general public to prevail on the government to do the needful in the overriding interest of the nation’s health sector.

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