The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning that its members will embark on a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
The ultimatum was issued in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Omoha Amobi, following an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
In July, NARD had declared a three-week ultimatum, but in the spirit of industrial harmony, the NEC granted the National Officers’ Committee an additional three weeks to engage stakeholders before reassessing progress.
However, the E-NEC on Sunday condemned the Federal Government’s failure to meet its commitments, lamenting that many resident doctors have yet to receive their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, the outstanding five months’ arrears from the 25 per cent/35 per cent CONMESS review, and other salary arrears.
It also faulted the government for failing to pay the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed Memoranda of Understanding. The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike action in the hospital,” it stated.
The Council, however, commended governors who have paid the 2025 MRTF to resident doctors in their states.
NARD warned that if its demands are not met by September 10, 2025, it will proceed with a nationwide strike.
Among its demands are: immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 MRTF, settlement of five months’ CONMESS arrears, payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, commencement of specialist allowances for doctors, restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and issuance of membership certificates by the NPMCN.
It also called for urgent resolution of outstanding welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna and Oyo states.
“The E-NEC urges all State Governors to prioritise the welfare of doctors in their state-owned hospitals and training institutions, ensure the timely payment of MRTF to their resident doctors, and take proactive steps to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.
“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, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action.”