The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will on Wednesday hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide its next steps regarding an ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.
The association had previously given a 10-day deadline to relevant authorities, warning of a nationwide strike if its demands were ignored. This development comes at a time when Nigeria’s already overstretched public health sector is battling with doctor shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and congested hospitals.
Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have staged multiple strikes in recent years over unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and unfavorable working conditions. Health experts caution that another strike could paralyze medical services, push patients toward costly private facilities, and worsen health outcomes nationwide.
In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors outlined their demands. These include the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent salary structure adjustment, as well as other pending salary backlogs. They are also seeking the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, timely release of specialist allowances, restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates, and the issuance of certificates to qualified candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Additionally, they want the 2024 CONMESS implemented, lingering welfare concerns in Kaduna resolved, and the challenges facing resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, addressed.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara stated that the outcome of today’s NEC meeting would determine the association’s course of action. He noted that if the government had made significant progress in addressing their grievances, it would influence their decision. Otherwise, the NEC would take a firm position, which could include strike action.
NARD’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene to review the situation. He emphasized that the decision would hinge on the government’s response, warning that failure to act could disrupt industrial peace. He recalled that the association had initially issued a three-week ultimatum in July, later extended to allow further engagement with stakeholders, but said no tangible results had been achieved.
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