Deborah Akinyosoye
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors on Monday issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to meet its welfare demands, warning that its members would embark on a nationwide strike if nothing is done before the deadline.
The doctors, in a communiqué 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 on Sunday.
NARD recalled that in July it had given a three-week ultimatum, but “in the interest of industrial harmony,” the NEC extended it by another three weeks to allow the National Officers’ Committee engage with stakeholders.
It noted that despite the extension, the Federal Government failed to fulfil its promises.
The communiqué read, “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.”
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 communiqué warned.