Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has handed a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government and other key stakeholders to urgently address lingering welfare issues or face a crippling nationwide industrial action.
This decisive move was announced in a communiqué issued at the close of NARD’s May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference, held from May 26 to 31, 2025, at the Villa Hilton Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
With the theme, “The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects,” the five-day event attracted eminent figures from Nigeria’s medical, legal, and traditional institutions.
Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City, delivered the keynote address, while a pivotal panel on “Medical Ethics and the Law: Conflicts and Convergences” sparked robust dialogue on the intersection of medicine and jurisprudence.
In the communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope, and Secretary-General, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, the association expressed growing discontent over what it described as the government’s “persistent disregard” for the welfare and professional concerns of resident doctors.
NARD listed a series of unresolved issues, including the non-payment of 25%/35% arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) despite its official review, and the non-implementation of consequential adjustments arising from the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage revisions.
Other grievances include:exclusion of resident doctors from receiving specialist allowances ;chronic understaffing and casualisation of medical officers ;delayed payment of accoutrement allowances and outstanding salary arrears at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), some dating back over a year.
Dr. Osundara said “The silence from government authorities in the face of these glaring issues is unacceptable and detrimental to the sustainability of the healthcare system,” the communiqué noted.
“Our members have shown enough patience; our goodwill must not be mistaken for weakness.
“How do you expect young doctors to give their best when they are overworked, underpaid, and disrespected? Enough is enough.”
To forestall an imminent collapse of hospital services nationwide, NARD said it had directed its National Officers’ Committee to redouble engagement efforts with government agencies over the next four weeks.
However, the association made it clear that failure to meet its demands within the window will prompt decisive action.
“If there is no meaningful progress after four weeks, the National Executive Council will reconvene to deliberate on the next line of action, including possible industrial action,” the communiqué warned.
Despite its discontent with the Federal Government, NARD acknowledged and praised certain state governments for prioritising healthcare workers’ welfare.
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State was singled out for being the first to implement the new Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) rates.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi were lauded for their progressive salary policies for entry-level doctors.
The Governors of Kwara, Delta, and Enugu States were also commended for prompt MRTF disbursements and other welfare initiatives.
Special recognition was accorded to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, for their innovative and people-centered reforms in the state’s healthcare system.
The Uyo conference also included community health initiatives. Under its T-DROP outreach programme, NARD members offered free medical care to children at the Divine Mercy Motherless Babies Home in Uyo.
The conference featured courtesy visits to traditional rulers and concluded with scientific sessions aimed at deepening professional knowledge among resident doctors.
In its final message, NARD reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to championing the rights and welfare of resident doctors while delivering quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
“Our patience is not infinite,” the communiqué stressed.
“We remain resolute in our advocacy for fairness, equity, and the dignity of medical professionals. The time for lip service is over.”
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