Nigerian Resident Doctors Issue Fresh 24-Hour Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Unmet Demands

By DAMILOLA ADESULU

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government of Nigeria a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to address their long-standing demands after the expiration of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10, 2025.

The decision was reached after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Wednesday.

Doctors Renew Pressure on FG

Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the association acknowledged government assurances but stressed that immediate action was non-negotiable.

“The Federal Government called us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to address our concerns. After deliberation, we agreed to give them 24 hours to act. If there is no action, we will begin an indefinite strike tomorrow (Friday),” Dr. Osundara warned.

According to him, over 2,000 resident doctors nationwide are still awaiting payment of their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

Key Demands by NARD

In its communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by Dr. Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, NARD outlined the following urgent demands:

• Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
• Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
• Payment of outstanding 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
• Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
• Recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
• Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all deserving candidates.
• Implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
• Resolution of welfare-related challenges in Kaduna State.
• Addressing the grievances of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Why This Matters

Resident doctors make up the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system, handling a significant proportion of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. A strike action by NARD often cripples medical services nationwide, leaving patients unattended and hospitals overstretched.

Health experts warn that a prolonged strike could worsen Nigeria’s already strained health sector, where limited manpower, poor infrastructure, and rising patient load remain pressing challenges.

What’s Next

The Federal Government has until Thursday midnight to meet NARD’s demands. Failure to do so will see doctors across the country commence an indefinite strike starting Friday, September 12, 2025.