…Issues 10-day ultimatum to FG over unmet demands
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has handed the Federal Government a 10-day deadline to address a series of unresolved demands or face the prospect of a nationwide strike.
In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually, the association voiced frustration over what it described as a persistent failure by the government to honour previous agreements.
The statement, jointly signed by NARD President, Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Omoha Amobi, stated that the ultimatum would lapse on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
The group recalled that it had earlier declared a three-week ultimatum in July but, in the interest of industrial peace, extended the period to allow further consultations with relevant stakeholders. The E-NEC, however, expressed displeasure that little had been achieved.
Among its grievances, NARD pointed to delays in the disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), non-payment of five months’ arrears following the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and outstanding arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
The association also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons. It further faulted the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for delays in issuing certificates to successful candidates.
At the state level, NARD accused the Kaduna State Government of failing to implement agreements with resident doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, while censuring the Oyo State Government for neglecting welfare issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors remain on indefinite strike.
Despite these complaints, the association praised governors who have already paid the 2025 MRTF, describing such actions as a demonstration of commitment to the welfare of medical personnel.
Its list of demands includes immediate settlement of all arrears, payment of specialist allowances, restoration of full recognition for West African postgraduate qualifications, and resolution of the disputes affecting 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, 10 September 2025, will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike,” the communiqué stated.
