Doctors under the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at the National Obstetrics Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have announced the resumption of their suspended industrial action, effective Monday, January 12, 2026.
The decision was reached during a congress held at the hospital over the weekend, where members expressed dissatisfaction with what they described as the Federal Government’s failure to address long-standing demands relating to welfare and conditions of service.
Speaking after the meeting, the President of NARD at NOFIC, Abakaliki, Dr. Charles Elom, stated that the strike would be total, comprehensive, and indefinite until meaningful negotiations resume between the government and the association.
According to him, the earlier strike action embarked upon in November 2025 was suspended on November 28 to give the Federal Government four weeks to respond to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the doctors. However, he noted that the grace period elapsed without any response.
“The congress we just concluded focused on the resumption of our suspended strike. We were on strike in November last year and suspended it in good faith, but the government has failed to honour any part of the agreement,” Dr. Elom said.
He lamented the rising cost of living across the country, stressing that doctors’ salaries have remained stagnant despite salary adjustments in other sectors.
Among the grievances listed by the association are the alleged unjust termination of five resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, whose recall was reportedly recommended by a committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Health but has yet to be implemented.
Other demands include the payment of outstanding promotion arrears dating back to 2022, non-payment of the 25% and 35% CONMESS arrears, and issues surrounding the re-categorisation of residency training certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
The doctors also raised concerns over delayed salaries for house officers, with some reportedly owed between one and six months’ wages. They further called for the resumption of collective bargaining agreements, which they say are essential for reviewing doctors’ remuneration in line with current economic realities.
Dr. Elom emphasized that until these issues are addressed, resident doctors at the Ebonyi fistula hospital will continue the strike action indefinitely.
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