The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands or face an immediate nationwide strike.
The move follows the expiration of the association’s earlier 10-day deadline on 10 September and comes after a six-hour virtual meeting of its National Executive Council held on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, told journalists on Thursday that although the government had promised to address their concerns, the association would not accept further delays.
“The Federal Government called us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to address our concerns. After a six-hour deliberation, we decided to give the government the next 24 hours to ensure the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund to beneficiaries, for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to upgrade our membership certificates, and to attend to our other demands.
If there is no payment by today (Thursday), then tomorrow (Friday), we will start the strike immediately,” he said.
The doctors’ demands
In a communiqué issued on 1 September 2025 and signed by Dr Osundara; NARD General Secretary, Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Omoha Amobi, the doctors demanded:
- Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
- Payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
- Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
- Restoration of recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
- Issuance of membership certificates to all deserving candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
- Full implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
- Resolution of outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State.
- Intervention in the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
According to NARD, more than 2,000 resident doctors across the country are still awaiting payment of the MRTF.
Why it matters
Resident doctors constitute the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, delivering a significant proportion of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Any strike by the association often paralyses healthcare delivery nationwide, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.
With the new ultimatum set to expire within hours, the Federal Government faces renewed pressure to act swiftly and avert another crippling strike in the nation’s health sector.