The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a final 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to meet its welfare demands or face a nationwide strike. The association, in a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, said the decision followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday. NARD warned that if the government fails to act before the deadline of Wednesday, September 10, 2025, its members will have no choice but to embark on an indefinite strike.
The doctors recalled that they had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum in July but extended it by another three weeks in the interest of industrial harmony, allowing the National Officers’ Committee to engage with stakeholders. However, they lamented that despite the extensions, the Federal Government failed to honour its promises.
Among the grievances listed were the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to many resident doctors, as well as the outstanding five months’ arrears from the 25 to 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review. They also condemned the government’s refusal to settle longstanding salary arrears and the unpaid 2024 Accoutrement Allowance. The association further criticised the “unjust downgrading” of membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the continued non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
NARD also expressed displeasure with some state governments. It condemned the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements reached with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital despite earlier Memoranda of Understanding. The Oyo State Government was also faulted for neglecting the concerns of doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, where an indefinite strike has already been ongoing.
Despite these concerns, the association commended state governors who had already paid the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, noting that such gestures demonstrated a genuine commitment to the welfare of doctors. It demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and entitlements, restoration of the recognition of postgraduate membership certificates, and urgent resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna and Oyo states.
NARD stressed that the 10-day ultimatum is final, warning that failure by the government to meet its demands within the timeframe will force its members into a nationwide strike.
