By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
Resident doctors at the Rasheed Shekoni Federal University Teaching Hospital (RSFUTH), Dutse, have announced their full participation in the nationwide strike action declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), with effect from Monday, January 12, 2026.
The decision was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Association of Resident Doctors, RSFUTH Dutse (ARD-RSFUTH), and jointly signed by its Acting President, Dr. Aminu Yahaya, and Acting Secretary, Dr. Shamsu Sa’idu.
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According to the statement, the strike, described as “total, comprehensive and indefinite,” will commence from 12:00 a.m. (midnight) on Monday, in strict compliance with the directive of the National Executive Council (NEC) of NARD.
“As a result, all resident doctors at RSFUTH Dutse shall withdraw their services completely and indefinitely from the effective date,” the association stated.
The doctors also disclosed plans to stage a peaceful protest on the same day in solidarity with the nationwide action, as part of efforts to press home what they described as their legitimate demands.
ARD-RSFUTH Dutse explained that the industrial action became inevitable following the Federal Government’s persistent failure to honour and fully implement the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached with NARD, despite prolonged engagements, sustained dialogue and repeated assurances.
Among the key demands listed by the association are the immediate reinstatement of disengaged resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja; payment of all outstanding salary, promotion and allowance arrears owed to resident doctors nationwide; and full implementation of the approved Professional Allowance Table (PAT), including accrued arrears.
Other demands include immediate payment of specialist allowance to all eligible doctors, resolution of persistent delays and arrears in House Officers’ salaries, issuance of a formal pay advisory by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and a clear and uniform directive on skipping and entry-level placement across all institutions.
The association further called for the settlement of failed payments and omissions arising from the 25%/35% CONMESS upward review and accoutrement allowance by IPPIS, resumption and conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process, as well as urgent intervention to address deteriorating hospital infrastructure and obsolete medical equipment.
While expressing deep regret over the hardship the strike may impose on patients and the general public, ARD-RSFUTH Dutse noted that the continued neglect of doctors’ welfare and the steady decay of the healthcare system left them with no viable alternative.
The association added that the strike and planned peaceful protest remain entirely avoidable should the government demonstrate genuine commitment through concrete, timely and measurable actions to address the stated demands.
