The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government and state authorities fail to address its unresolved welfare demands within the next 10 days.
The doctors, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s emergency and specialist healthcare system, reached the decision after an extraordinary virtual national executive council (E-NEC) meeting held on Sunday.
In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association condemned the government’s “consistent failure” to honour agreements reached with doctors despite several ultimatums issued earlier in the year.
According to NARD, many resident doctors are yet to receive their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), while arrears of the 2024 accoutrement allowance and five months’ unpaid salary differentials from the 25%/35% CONMESS review remain outstanding.
The association also decried the downgrading of membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Beyond the federal issues, NARD accused the Kaduna State Government of reneging on agreements with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and faulted the Oyo State Government for neglecting grievances at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, where doctors have been on indefinite strike.
Among its fresh demands, the association is insisting on :Immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 MRTF ; Settlement of all arrears arising from the CONMESS review. payment of specialist allowances to doctors. restoration of the full recognition of West African postgraduate certificates and urgent resolution of welfare crises in Kaduna and Oyo states.
The communiqué warned that if these issues remain unresolved by September 10, 2025, NARD would have no choice but to shut down health services nationwide.
“The NEC has extended a final 10-day ultimatum to all relevant government agencies. Failure to meet our demands within this period will result in an indefinite nationwide strike,” the statement read.
NARD urged all state governors to prioritise doctors’ welfare in order to curb the mass emigration of medical professionals and avert a collapse of Nigeria’s already strained health system.
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