The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today (Wednesday) hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to determine its next line of action regarding a pending ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

Earlier, the association had given a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning that members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.

The threat comes amid growing pressure on Nigeria’s fragile public health system, which is already struggling with a shortage of doctors, poor infrastructure, and overcrowded hospitals.

Resident doctors—who make up the majority of the medical workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals—have repeatedly gone on strike in recent years over unpaid wages, poor welfare, and inadequate working conditions. Experts warn that another shutdown could cripple healthcare delivery, forcing patients to seek costly private care and worsening health outcomes across the country.

The Doctors’ Demands

In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by:

• Dr. Tope Osundara (NARD President)

• Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku (General Secretary)

• Dr. Omoha Amobi (Publicity & Social Secretary)

The doctors demanded:

• Immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.

• Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.

• Payment of long-standing salary backlogs.

• Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.

• Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.

• Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates.

• Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

• Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.

• Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State.

• Addressing the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Awaiting Government Response

Speaking on Tuesday, NARD President Dr. Osundara said:

“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (today), and the outcome will determine our next line of action. If the government has made meaningful progress in addressing our demands, it will guide our decision. If not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action.”

NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene today:

“If our demands are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. We gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it, yet nothing has been done. Tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide our next line of action.”\r\n

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