Health
Unpaid arrears: Resident doctors threaten total nationwide strike
Unpaid arrears: Resident doctors threaten total nationwide strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to begin a nationwide indefinite strike from August 10, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to substantially address outstanding demands concerning salary arrears, welfare and working conditions.
The association issued the fresh strike notice after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Gombe State from July 26 to July 31, where members reviewed previous agreements with the Federal Government and assessed the state of healthcare delivery across the country.
Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, said the association was dissatisfied with what it described as the slow pace of implementation of agreements reached with the government despite months of negotiations and repeated engagements.
Suleiman said NARD had extended its previous strike ultimatum on four occasions to give the Federal Government more time to resolve the outstanding issues. However, he said several commitments had yet to be fulfilled.
The association warned that resident doctors across Nigeria would commence a total and indefinite industrial action if the government failed to substantially address the demands before the August 10 deadline.
Among the key demands is the immediate payment of outstanding arrears linked to the 25–35 per cent CONMESS salary adjustment, as well as 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, promotion arrears and outstanding salaries owed to doctors in several federal health institutions.
NARD identified several facilities where some doctors are affected by unresolved salary and welfare concerns. The institutions include the University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Okuki; Federal Medical Centre, Owo; Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife; University of Uyo Teaching Hospital; Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri; Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki; and Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi.
The association also raised concerns over the safety of doctors and other healthcare workers, citing reports of assault, harassment, intimidation and attacks on medical personnel while performing their duties.
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NARD warned that continued attacks on healthcare workers could worsen the shortage of medical personnel and further affect healthcare services, particularly in public hospitals already facing staffing and infrastructure challenges.
The association called on the Federal Government to establish a National Healthcare Workers Assault Prevention and Response Protocol and urged the National Assembly to pass legislation that would criminalise attacks on healthcare personnel and strengthen protections for health workers.
On the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, NARD acknowledged the Federal Government’s release of the fund but insisted that resident doctors who were excluded from the initial disbursement should be identified and paid without further delay.
The association said delays in accessing the training fund could affect the professional development of resident doctors and create additional financial pressure during their medical training.
NARD also expressed concern over the welfare of house officers, citing prolonged salary delays, unpaid entitlements and challenges relating to internship placement, documentation and onboarding.
According to the association, some newly employed doctors begin work and continue for several weeks or months before receiving their first salaries, a situation it said creates financial hardship and affects morale.
The doctors further demanded the immediate conclusion and implementation of the Medical and Health Workers Collective Bargaining Agreement.
They also called for urgent measures to address excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours and shortages of healthcare workers in public hospitals.
NARD urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to intervene in the lingering industrial dispute involving resident doctors at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and ensure that outstanding welfare concerns are resolved.
The association also called on the Federal Government and state governments to increase investment in the health sector through improved funding, rehabilitation and expansion of healthcare facilities, modern medical equipment, reliable electricity supply and the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals.
According to NARD, stronger investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resources is necessary to improve access to quality medical services and support the implementation of universal health coverage across Nigeria.
The association also appealed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Kaduna State Government and the management of affected federal tertiary health institutions to resolve outstanding salary, welfare and training issues involving resident doctors.
NARD linked many of the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare system to the increasing migration of doctors abroad in search of better pay, improved working conditions and stronger career opportunities.
The association said more than 16,000 Nigerian doctors had left the country within the last three to four years, warning that the continued loss of medical professionals could place additional pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
According to NARD, the number of doctors leaving Nigeria is now believed to be higher than the number graduating annually from the country’s medical schools.
The association warned that the continued migration of doctors, combined with inadequate recruitment, delayed payments and unresolved welfare concerns, could further increase workloads for healthcare workers who remain in the country.
NARD said it remained open to dialogue but stressed that the Federal Government must take concrete steps before August 10 to prevent a disruption of healthcare services in public hospitals nationwide.
If the strike proceeds, it could affect medical services in federal and state hospitals where resident doctors play major roles in patient care, emergency services, clinical training and the day-to-day operations of healthcare facilities.
Unpaid arrears: Resident doctors threaten total nationwide strike
Health
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Parents and caregivers are advised to seek early medical help and update childhood vaccinations as response teams expand outreach.
Health authorities in Adamawa State are responding to a diphtheria outbreak that has caused 20 deaths across 13 local government areas. Speaking on Wednesday, State Epidemiologist Jones Steven Kadabiyu confirmed that health workers have recorded 126 suspected cases throughout the state, with six patients currently receiving medical care in local hospitals.
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial illness that spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or close personal contact. It mainly affects the throat and airway, causing sore throats, mild fevers, swollen neck glands, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
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Health officials emphasized that the biggest risk to patients has been waiting too long to visit a health center, as some families try informal remedies at home first before seeking professional medical attention.
The state government is working alongside health partners to track new cases, provide specialized antibiotics and treatments, and protect medical workers and family members.
Officials stressed that while diphtheria can affect people of any age, young children are the most vulnerable to serious complications. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccines and to visit the nearest clinic immediately if anyone develops throat swelling or breathing issues.
Adamawa Health Officials Report 20 Deaths from Suspected Diphtheria Cases
Community
Monarch Dies Shortly After Being Rescued From Kwara Kidnappers
The Onigbesi of Igbesi Land in Kwara State, Oba Moses Oyinloye Iwedunmoye I, has died days after he was rescued from kidnappers.
The monarch passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital, according to his son, Prince Olasunkanmi, who said his father had been receiving treatment following a brief illness.
“Yes, the news is true. He died after a brief illness following his release. We took him to the hospital, hoping he would survive, but he died there very early this morning,” Olasunkanmi said.
Oba Iwedunmoye was abducted on August 22 when armed men invaded Igbesi community in Isin Local Government Area.
He regained his freedom five days later after security forces launched an operation around the Elerin/Ijomu-Oro area, where three kidnapped victims were found.
The rescue followed a report received at the Oro Police Station from a vigilante member, who alerted authorities after one of his colleagues was shot while operating in the bush.
A combined team of police officers, soldiers and vigilantes was subsequently deployed to the area.
Police said the suspected kidnappers engaged the team in a gun battle after spotting the advancing operatives. One alleged kidnapper was killed during the exchange, while others escaped into the surrounding area.
The security team continued the search and eventually located the three victims, who were evacuated for medical treatment.
News of the monarch’s death was announced by Bisi Fakayode, National President of Omo Ibile Igbomina, who mourned the traditional ruler and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The circumstances surrounding the monarch’s illness and death have not been publicly disclosed beyond his family’s account that he fell ill after his release.
Health
Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Cases Cross 7,000
Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Cases Cross 7,000
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached more than 7,000 recorded cases, with nearly 3,400 people losing their lives in what authorities describe as the country’s worst epidemic of the disease.
Official figures show that 7,022 cases have been identified since the outbreak was detected in May. Of those affected, 3,398 have died, while 1,671 people have recovered.
The outbreak has also continued to expand geographically, with South-Ubangi becoming the seventh province where the virus has been detected. The province shares borders with both the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
Health authorities are facing particular difficulties in Ituri, where most of the cases have been recorded. The province has schools where Ebola infections have been detected, raising concerns about further transmission as students return to classrooms.
Schools in affected areas have introduced additional precautions, including compulsory handwashing, limiting classroom numbers and discouraging physical contact among pupils.
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The response is being complicated by the wider conditions in eastern and northern parts of the country. Some affected communities are located in remote areas with limited healthcare facilities, while long-running armed conflicts have made access and government intervention more difficult.
Residents have expressed growing concern, particularly over the possibility of children carrying the virus between their homes and schools.
The current outbreak was first officially identified in northeastern Ituri in mid-May, although health authorities believe the virus may have been circulating for weeks before it was detected.
The strain responsible is Bundibugyo ebolavirus. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically available for the strain, although researchers are testing potential vaccines and therapies.
Ebola spreads primarily through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe illness, including bleeding, organ failure and death.
The latest crisis is part of the DRC’s long history with Ebola, with the country experiencing 17 outbreaks since the virus was first identified there.
With infections continuing to appear in new areas, authorities face the challenge of containing transmission while providing treatment and protection in communities already struggling with insecurity and limited health infrastructure.
Ebola Crisis Deepens in DR Congo as Cases Cross 7,000
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