Resident Doctors Give FG 10-Day Ultimatum While Threatening Nationwide Strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to all pertinent government bodies.
The notice was outlined in a communiqué signed by Tope Osundara, its president; Oluwasola Odunbaku, its general secretary; and Omoha Amobi, its publicity and social secretary; following a national executive council (E-NEC) meeting conducted virtually on Sunday, August 31.
In July, NARD had given a three-week ultimatum, which was later extended by three weeks, to engage with all relevant stakeholders, after which it would reconvene to evaluate the progress on its demands.
During Sunday’s meeting, the E-NEC criticized the federal government’s failure to honor its commitments, highlighting that a significant number of resident doctors are still unpaid for their 2025 medical residency training fund.
The association also denounced the non-payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears and the outstanding five months’ arrears stemming from the 25 percent/35 percent consolidated medical salary structure review.
“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria,” the communique reads.
“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honor its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed Memoranda of Understanding.
“The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike action in the hospital.”
The association demanded the immediate disbursement of the outstanding 2025 MRTF to all eligible resident doctors, the payment of the outstanding five months’ arrears of CONMESS, the initiation of specialist allowance payments to all doctors, and the reinstatement of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates to their proper status.
“The E-NEC demands the immediate implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and resolution of all outstanding welfare concerns in Kaduna State, noting that the indefinite strike by our members has already resumed and will continue until these demands are met,” the communique added.
“The E-NEC demands that the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, immediately resolve the welfare concerns of resident doctors under the employment of the state government, particularly those at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.
“The E-NEC urges all State Governors to prioritize the welfare of doctors in their state-owned hospitals and training institutions, ensure the timely payment of MRTF to their resident doctors, and take proactive steps to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.
“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, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
