The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a final 10-day ultimatum to all relevant government agencies, warning that failure to meet their demands will force the association to commence a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum was announced in a communiqué signed by NARD’s president, Tope Osundara; general secretary, Oluwasola Odunbaku; and publicity and social secretary, Omoha Amobi, following a virtual National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
In July, NARD had initially issued a three-week ultimatum, which was extended by an additional three weeks, calling on stakeholders to engage meaningfully. The association reconvened to assess the government’s compliance with its demands.
At Sunday’s meeting, the E-NEC condemned the federal government’s failure to fulfill key promises, highlighting that many resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
The association also criticized the non-payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears and the outstanding five months’ arrears linked to the 25%/35% consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) review.
The communiqué further expressed displeasure over the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s unjust downgrading of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons membership certificates, as well as the continued failure of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates.
State governments also came under fire. The Kaduna State Government was condemned for failing to honor agreements with members of ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital despite signed Memoranda of Understanding. Similarly, the Oyo State Government was criticized for neglecting welfare issues affecting resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where an indefinite strike is ongoing.
NARD demands the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 MRTF to eligible resident doctors, settlement of the five months’ CONMESS arrears, commencement of specialist allowances payments, and restoration of proper recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
“The E-NEC demands the immediate implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and resolution of all outstanding welfare concerns in Kaduna State,” the communiqué stated, adding that the indefinite strike there has resumed and will continue until demands are met.
The association also called on the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Seyi Makinde, to urgently address welfare concerns of resident doctors employed by the state, especially at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Furthermore, the E-NEC urged all state governors to prioritize the welfare of doctors in state-owned hospitals and training institutions, ensure timely MRTF payments, and take proactive steps to curb doctor emigration while maintaining industrial peace.
The ultimatum expires on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Failure to meet the demands by this date will leave NARD with no choice but to initiate a nationwide strike.
