The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands or face an immediate nationwide strike.
The decision followed a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the development on Thursday, noting that while government representatives had promised to resolve the issues, the union insisted on urgent action.
Resident doctors are demanding the payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and clearance of other long-standing salary backlogs. They also want the release of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt payment of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates.
In addition, the doctors are calling on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to qualified candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, address welfare concerns in Kaduna State, and resolve pending issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The latest ultimatum comes after NARD had earlier issued a 10-day warning notice, threatening strike action if the demands were not met.