Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given federal government a 10-day ultimatum to meet its demands or face an indefinite nationwide strike.
Gatekeepers News reports that the warning is contained in a communique signed by Tope Osundara (President), Oluwasola Odunbaku (General Secretary), and Omoha Amobi (Publicity and Social Secretary), following an extraordinary national executive council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
In July, NARD had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum, later extended by another three weeks, to allow room for dialogue with relevant authorities before reassessing government’s compliance with its demands.
During Sunday’s meeting, the E-NEC faulted the federal government for failing to deliver on its promises. According to the communique, many resident doctors have yet to receive their 2025 medical residency training fund.
It also condemned the nonpayment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 percent/35 percent consolidated medical salary structure review.
The communique reads, “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.”
NARD called for the immediate payment of the 2025 residency training fund, the clearance of five months’ outstanding CONMESS arrears, commencement of specialist allowance payments, and full restoration of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
The communique added, “The E-NEC demands the immediate implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and resolution of all outstanding welfare concerns in Kaduna State, noting that the indefinite strike by our members has already resumed and will continue until these demands are met.”
With a deadline firmly stated, it also urged the Oyo State Governor to act swiftly and extended the warning to all Governors, “The E-NEC demands that the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, immediately resolve the welfare concerns of resident doctors under the employment of the state government, particularly those at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.”
“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.”
