By John Umeh
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and its agencies a fresh 10-day deadline to address pressing welfare concerns, warning that members will embark on a nationwide strike if their demands are ignored.
The decision was announced in a communiqué released on Monday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi. According to the association, the ultimatum was the outcome of an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
NARD recalled that it had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum in July but extended it by another three weeks “in the interest of industrial harmony” to allow its leaders engage stakeholders. However, the association expressed disappointment that the Federal Government failed to act within the extended timeline.
The communiqué strongly criticised government inaction, highlighting several unresolved issues:
-
Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund for many doctors.
-
Failure to settle five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% salary adjustment under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
-
Unpaid longstanding salary arrears.
-
The downgrading of membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
-
Non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The doctors also condemned the Federal Government’s refusal to pay the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and accused some state governments of neglect. Specifically, they criticised the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and the Oyo State Government for ignoring issues affecting members at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite the hospital’s ongoing indefinite strike.
However, NARD praised states that have already paid the 2025 MRTF, describing such actions as proof of their commitment to doctors’ welfare.
The association demanded:
-
Immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and entitlements.
-
Reinstatement of recognition for postgraduate membership certificates.
-
Swift resolution of welfare challenges affecting doctors in Kaduna and Oyo states.
The communiqué warned that the 10-day ultimatum—expiring on September 10, 2025—would be final. If unmet, NARD said it would have “no choice but to commence a nationwide strike.”
