Resident Doctors Issue 10-Day Ultimatum Over Unmet Demands

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has handed down a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and other relevant authorities, warning of a nationwide strike if their demands are not addressed.

The directive was contained in a communiqué released on Monday, following an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday. The statement was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.

According to the communiqué, NARD expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to implement agreements, including the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, the settlement of five months’ arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and the outstanding 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

“The NEC has observed with dismay that despite repeated engagements, many of our members remain unpaid, critical allowances are still pending, and doctors continue to face unjust treatment in their professional recognition and welfare,” the statement read.

The E-NEC also condemned the downgrading of certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the delay in issuing membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. It further criticized state governments, particularly Kaduna and Oyo, for failing to resolve welfare challenges facing doctors in their employment despite earlier agreements and ongoing industrial actions.

While commending states that had paid the 2025 MRTF, NARD insisted on the urgent implementation of all outstanding agreements. The body demanded immediate payment of all arrears, restoration of professional recognitions, and commencement of specialist allowances across board.

Reiterating its stance, the association stressed that failure to meet these demands by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, would leave resident doctors with no alternative but to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

By Adeola Olaniya | September 1, 2025