The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has warned that its members will commence a nationwide strike if the Federal Government and other relevant authorities fail to meet their demands within the next 10 days.
The association issued the ultimatum in a communiqué released on Monday, following an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, alongside General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, signed the statement.
The doctors said the government had failed to honour several agreements, including the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review.
“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to a significant number of resident doctors, as well as the refusal to settle the outstanding five months’ arrears from the CONMESS review,” the communiqué stated.
It also condemned the failure to pay the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and the alleged downgrading of postgraduate membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
“The E-NEC demands that the MDCN immediately restore recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates to their rightful status. It also calls on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to begin issuing certificates to all deserving candidates without delay,” it added.
The association further criticized the Kaduna and Oyo State governments for not addressing welfare concerns of its members despite earlier agreements and ongoing industrial actions.
“The indefinite strike by our members in Kaduna State will continue until all demands are met. We also call on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently resolve the welfare concerns of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho,” the doctors said.
While commending state governments that have paid the 2025 MRTF, NARD maintained that all outstanding entitlements must be settled to avert a fresh strike.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies. Failure to comply within this period, which expires on September 10, 2025, will leave us with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike,” the communiqué warned.
