The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the federal government, threatening a nationwide strike if their welfare demands are not met by September 10, 2025.
The doctors, in a communiqué issued yesterday, September 1 and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, said the decision followed the outcome of its extraordinary national executive council meeting held virtually last Sunday.
Key demands include the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of the outstanding five-month salary arrears from the CONMESS review, and payment of other salary arrears.
The ultimatum comes after the government’s failure to address these issues despite previous negotiations and extensions of prior ultimatums.
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.
It noted that despite the extension, the federal government failed to fulfil its promises.
“The E-NEC condemned the failure of the federal government to fulfil its promises, noting with dismay that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The government has also refused to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears.
“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,” NARD stated.
The association further criticised the failure to pay the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and condemned some state governments for neglecting their doctors.
“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,” it added.
However, NARD commended state governors who have already paid the 2025 MRTF, noting that such actions demonstrated commitment to the welfare of doctors.
The doctors demanded immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and entitlements, restoration of the recognition of postgraduate membership certificates, and resolution of welfare concerns in Kaduna and Oyo states.
“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,” the association said.
