THE Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a 10-day ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands or face a nationwide strike.
In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday, the doctors expressed frustration over what they described as repeated government failures to honour agreements.
The statement was signed by Tope Osundara, NARD President; Oluwasola Odunbaku, General Secretary; and Omoha Amobi, Publicity and Social Secretary. The ultimatum expires Wednesday, 10th September 2025.
The association recalled that it had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum in July, but in the spirit of industrial harmony, the NEC granted its national officers an additional three weeks to engage with stakeholders. The council reconvened at the weekend to review progress and said it found little had been achieved.
According to NARD, a significant number of doctors are still awaiting payment of their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), while five months’ arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review remain outstanding. Arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance have also not been paid.
The doctors also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and faulted the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for delays in issuing certificates to successful candidates.
At state level, NARD accused the Kaduna government of failing to honour agreements with resident doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite signed memoranda of understanding. It also faulted the Oyo State government for neglecting welfare concerns at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where resident doctors remain on indefinite strike.
However, the E-NEC commended governors who have shown commitment to their doctors’ welfare by paying the 2025 MRTF.
The association’s latest demands include the immediate payment of all outstanding arrears, commencement of specialist allowance payments, restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate certificates, and resolution of state-level disputes in Kaduna and Oyo.
“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,” the communiqué stated.
