The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and other relevant agencies a 10-day ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands or face a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum, issued on Monday, followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
A communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity/Social Secretary, Omoha Amobi, warned that failure to act before September 10, 2025, would leave the union with no option but to down tools.
The doctors accused the government of reneging on promises made during previous negotiations.
“A substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The government has also refused to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears,” the communiqué read.
Naija News reports that the association also condemned the non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, and what it described as the “unjust downgrading” of membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
In addition, it decried the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The E-NEC also took a swipe at some state governments. It accused the Kaduna State Government of failing to honour agreements reached with resident doctors at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier signed Memoranda of Understanding.
Similarly, it criticised the Oyo State Government for failing to address welfare issues affecting doctors at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors have already embarked on an indefinite strike.
Despite its grievances, NARD commended governors who have already paid the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, describing their actions as a demonstration of commitment to the welfare of health workers.
Fresh Demands on FG and MDCN
The doctors demanded the immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF to all eligible doctors and settlement of the five months’ CONMESS arrears.
Other demands include:
- Immediate payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
- Commencement of specialist allowance payments to doctors nationwide.
- Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates by the MDCN.
- Prompt issuance of membership certificates by the NPMCN.
Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS in full, and resolution of outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna and Oyo States.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period, expiring on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action,” the communiqué warned.
The doctors also urged all state governors to prioritise welfare in their hospitals and training institutions, ensure timely payment of MRTF, and take proactive measures to curb mass emigration of medical professionals.
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