The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to resolve outstanding welfare issues or face a nationwide strike.
The decision followed the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday. A communiqué was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.
Key Demands
- Payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) still owed to many doctors.
- Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS salary review.
- Clearance of other longstanding salary arrears.
- Payment of 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
- Recognition and restoration of postgraduate membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
State-Level Concerns
NARD also condemned the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with doctors at ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital.
It criticised the Oyo State Government for ignoring the plight of doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where an indefinite strike has been ongoing.
Government Praised in Part
The doctors, however, commended state governors who have fully paid the 2025 MRTF, saying such compliance shows commitment to workers’ welfare.
Ultimatum Ends Sept 10
“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,” the communiqué warned.
