FMC Umuahia resident doctors to join nationwide NARD strike from January 12
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, has announced it will join the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike, effective from January 12, 2026.
The decision followed an extraordinary general meeting of resident doctors at FMC Umuahia held on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Speaking to journalists on Friday, the state president of the association, Dr Alaede Godwin, said the action was in line with a resolution of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) due to the federal government’s failure to honour agreements reached with the association.
“As members of NARD, we will join the indefinite strike action set to resume on January 12, 2026,” Dr Alaede said, explaining that despite extensive negotiations and the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, key demands remained unresolved.
According to him, the NEC observed during its meeting on January 2, 2026, that the actions of the federal government and its agencies were “at variance with, and contrary to, the clear and unambiguous memorandum of understanding signed before the initial strike was suspended.”
He said the council resolved to press for the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, in line with the recommendations of a duly constituted committee. Other demands include the prompt transmission of compiled promotional arrears and salary arrears owed to resident doctors across affected institutions to the Budget Office and the Federal Ministry of Finance for urgent processing and payment.
Dr Alaede noted that the strike decision was taken reluctantly, adding that resident doctors regretted any inconvenience the action might cause members of the public. However, he said the association was compelled to act due to what it described as prolonged neglect of doctors’ welfare and the future of medical practice in Nigeria.
In a statement, the NEC directed all members in the 91 tertiary health institutions nationwide, including FMC Umuahia, to withdraw their services completely and indefinitely from 12:00 a.m. on January 12, until the federal and affected state governments show concrete commitment to meeting NARD’s demands.
Dr Alaede added that the association remains open to dialogue and could reconsider its position if the government demonstrates sincerity in addressing the issues raised. While reaffirming doctors’ commitment to healthcare delivery, he urged the federal government to act swiftly to resolve the impasse, saying resident doctors were ready to work with authorities to find a lasting solution.
