The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kaduna State chapter, has announced that it will embark on an indefinite strike from 1 September following the government’s failure to implement key welfare agreements.
In a communiqué released after an emergency virtual congress, the doctors reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and fair negotiations but said the action had become unavoidable after repeated delays in honouring agreements signed in June.
ARD Kaduna President, Dr. Richard Daniel, praised members’ patience, noting they had worked beyond the initial deadline to allow the government time to implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and resolve other outstanding demands.
“Our members showed understanding by staying on duty while expecting implementation of agreements signed in good faith. We hoped all concerns would be resolved by the end of August,” Daniel said.
He added that despite the expiration of the government’s two-month implementation timeline, no changes reflecting the agreement were observed in the August 2025 salary, forcing the association to withdraw its services.
Daniel stressed that the indefinite strike was not the association’s first option, but a necessary response to repeated delays in addressing doctors’ legitimate demands.
In a related development, ARD members at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital announced they would also down tools from midnight on 31 August in solidarity with the state chapter.
Dr. Josiah Yakubu, speaking for the Barau Dikko doctors, explained that reminder letters had been sent to the government on 19 June, 1 August and 25 August, urging compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June.
“We remain hopeful the government will show goodwill by fulfilling its promises. Our goal remains quality healthcare, which depends on fair treatment and proper support for medical professionals,” Yakubu said.
Both associations urged the Kaduna State Government to act promptly to avert disruption to healthcare delivery and reaffirmed their readiness to return to duty once the agreements are honoured.
