By Chimdiogo Amuh

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced that it will resume its nationwide Total Industrial and Clinical Services (TICS) 2.0 strike from 12:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, citing the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement agreements on doctors’ welfare.

The decision was taken at an Emergency National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on January 2, 2026, according to a statement issued by NARD President, Dr Mohammed Suleiman.

Dr Suleiman said the association was compelled to resume the industrial action due to what it described as the continued lack of sincerity by relevant authorities in honouring commitments reached with resident doctors.

The renewed action, tagged “No Implementation, No Going Back,” will involve a total withdrawal of clinical and industrial services nationwide.

As part of preparations, NARD directed presidents of its 91 centres across the country to convene congress meetings and engage the media. The association plans to hold 91 separate press conferences nationwide within seven days to highlight its grievances.

In addition, centre-based protests are scheduled to hold from January 12 to January 16, 2026, followed by regional protests coordinated by caucus leaders. A nationwide protest will also be organised by the NARD National Officers’ Committee (NOC).

The association stressed that the strike would only be suspended upon the full implementation of its minimum demands. These include the reinstatement of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; payment of promotion and salary arrears; and the full implementation of the professional allowance table, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget.

Other demands include official clarification on skipping and entry-level placement issues by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; re-introduction and implementation of the Specialist Allowance; resolution of house officers’ salary delays and arrears through a pay advisory; re-categorisation and issuance of membership certificates after Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN); commencement of locum and work-hours regulation committees; and the resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process.

NARD explained that the one-week notice before the strike resumption was deliberately provided to allow for proper congress meetings, media engagement, and statutory notifications to security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as hospital managements.

While commending members for their patience and resilience, the NARD National Officers’ Committee reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the NEC resolutions and pledged to intensify engagements with relevant stakeholders in the coming days.

The association urged its members to remain calm, united, and resolute as it continues to press for the full implementation of its demands.