By Ayomide Otitoju
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to address its welfare demands or face a nationwide strike.
The warning, contained in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
NARD recalled that it had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum in July, later extended by another three weeks “in the interest of industrial harmony” to allow further engagement with stakeholders.
The doctors accused the government of failing to honour commitments, including the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), as many resident doctors remain unpaid. They also cited five months of outstanding arrears from the 25/35 per cent
Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, along with other longstanding salary backlogs.
The communiqué also condemned the downgrading of membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and the persistent non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
At the state level, NARD criticised the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with its members at ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and the Oyo State Government for neglecting the plight of members at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, who have been on an indefinite strike.
However, the doctors commended governors who have already paid the 2025 MRTF, describing the gesture as a sign of commitment to the welfare of medical professionals.
NARD demanded immediate settlement of outstanding allowances, restoration of the recognition of postgraduate membership certificates, and resolution of unresolved 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, September 10, 2025, will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike,” the communiqué stated.
