THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a new 24-hour ultimatum to address its unresolved demands, following the expiration of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.
The decision came after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council yesterday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said while the union acknowledged government’s assurances, it was insisting on immediate action.
In a communiqué dated September 1 and signed by Dr. Osundara alongside General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors outlined their demands.
These include the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, outstanding salary backlogs, and the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
Other demands include prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The association also pressed for full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State, and intervention in the plight of doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Resident doctors play a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare delivery, and any industrial action by NARD often disrupts services in public hospitals nationwide.
Speaking to journalists today, Dr. Osundara confirmed that over 2,000 resident doctors have yet to receive their residency training fund. He added:
“The Federal Government called us yesterday and promised to act. After deliberation, we gave them 24 hours to release the funds and meet our demands. If there is no payment by today, we will commence a strike tomorrow.”