THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and its agencies a 10-day deadline to address its outstanding welfare concerns or face a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum was issued in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, following an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
NARD recalled that it had initially given a three-week ultimatum in July, later extended by another three weeks to allow for dialogue with government stakeholders.
However, the association said the Federal Government failed to honour its commitments.
According to the communiqué, many resident doctors are still unpaid under the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The government has also yet to clear five months of arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, alongside other salary backlogs.
The E-NEC also condemned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for allegedly downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, as well as the persistent non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Further grievances included the non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and neglect of doctors in certain states.
NARD specifically criticised the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with members at ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and the Oyo State Government for not addressing issues at ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, which has been on indefinite strike.
Despite these setbacks, the association commended state governments that have paid the 2025 Residency Training Fund, describing their actions as proof of commitment to doctors’ welfare.
NARD’s demands include immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, restoration of postgraduate membership certificate recognition, and resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna and Oyo states.
The communiqué warned that failure to meet these demands by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, would leave the association with no option but to embark on a nationwide strike.