The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a final 10-day ultimatum to address unresolved welfare concerns or face an imminent nationwide strike. The association’s resolution, announced in a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.
NARD recalled that it had previously issued a three-week ultimatum in July, which was later extended by another three weeks to allow for dialogue with authorities. However, it expressed disappointment that despite repeated promises, the government has failed to honour its commitments. Chief among the grievances are the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), five months of salary arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and the unpaid 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
The doctors further condemned the downgrading of membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the persistent delays in issuing certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN). At the state level, the association accused the Kaduna State Government of reneging on agreements with members at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and faulted the Oyo State Government for neglecting doctors’ welfare at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where an indefinite strike continues.
Despite commending states that have paid the 2025 MRTF, NARD insisted that all tiers of government must act swiftly to prevent further brain drain in the health sector. Its key demands include the immediate settlement of salary arrears, restoration of recognition for postgraduate certificates, implementation of specialist allowances, and the prioritisation of doctors’ welfare nationwide.
The association warned that failure by the Federal and state governments to meet these demands by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, would compel resident doctors across the country to withdraw their services. “This 10-day ultimatum is final, and if nothing is done, we will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide strike,” the communiqué stated.
