The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and relevant authorities a fresh 10-day ultimatum, warning of a nationwide strike if its long-standing demands are not met.
The resolution followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday and was contained in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.
NARD recalled issuing a three-week ultimatum in July, later extended by another three weeks to allow for dialogue. However, it expressed disappointment that the government has failed to deliver on its promises.
Key Grievances
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Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to many doctors.
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Five months’ unpaid arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
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Non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
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“Unjust downgrading” of membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the MDCN.
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Persistent delays by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) in issuing certificates to successful candidates.
At the state level, NARD accused the Kaduna State Government of failing to honour agreements with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and condemned the Oyo State Government for neglecting welfare concerns at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors remain on indefinite strike.
Demands
The association is demanding:
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Immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF to all eligible resident doctors.
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Settlement of outstanding CONMESS arrears and salary backlogs.
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Payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
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Commencement of specialist allowance payments.
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Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate certificates by the MDCN.
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Prompt issuance of membership certificates by the NPMCN.
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Full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS in Kaduna and resolution of welfare issues in Oyo.
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Final Warning
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will leave us with no option but to embark on a nationwide strike,” NARD warned.
