The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), citing unmet demands for improved welfare and working conditions, has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the federal government or face an immediate strike.
The association had threatened strike action some weeks ago but suspended it at the last minute when negotiations with the government began. The latest ultimatum comes amid ongoing strikes by resident doctors in Abuja and Oyo State.
Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of the medical workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly embarked on industrial action in recent years over unpaid wages, poor welfare, and inadequate working conditions.
Their demands include immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and clearance of long-standing salary backlogs. They are also seeking payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
In addition, the doctors are calling on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking on Thursday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the decision to issue the ultimatum followed a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on Wednesday.
“The Federal Government called us yesterday and promised to address our concerns. We had our meeting and after a six-hour deliberation decided to give the government the next 24 hours to ensure disbursements of MRTF to beneficiaries, for MDCN to upgrade our membership certificates and attend to our other demands. If nothing happens before the end of today (Thursday), we will commence the strike immediately tomorrow (Friday). The government should expedite action on the demands before them,” he said.
