The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, extending by four weeks the deadline for the implementation of its outstanding demands and warning that it may embark on nationwide industrial action if the issues remain unresolved.

The decision was taken at the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held virtually on Saturday to assess developments following the expiration of the 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.

In a communiqué released on Sunday and jointly signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association said it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new four-week window if its demands were not fully met.

NARD also mandated its National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary processes in preparation for industrial action should the government fail to demonstrate satisfactory compliance within the stipulated period.

The association accused the Federal Government and several health institutions of failing to fulfil commitments relating to doctors’ welfare, including the payment of outstanding salaries, allowances and other entitlements.

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