The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and other relevant authorities a final 10-day ultimatum to meet its pending welfare demands or face a nationwide industrial action.
According to reports the decision was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday, August 31, 2025, amid rising dissatisfaction over the government’s failure to fulfil key promises made to the association.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasaola Odunboku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association condemned the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to a significant number of resident doctors nationwide.
The communiqué also criticised the Federal Government for its “failure to address critical welfare issues,” which include:
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Non-payment of five months’ arrears from the reviewed 25% / 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS)
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Outstanding 2024 Accoutrement Allowance arrears
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Persistent delays in the payment of specialist allowances
“The Federal Government has continued to renege on its commitments despite a three-week ultimatum issued in July.
“This has worsened the hardship faced by our members, many of whom are unable to register for essential postgraduate examinations due to financial constraints,” the communiqué stated”.
NARD also criticised the Kaduna and Oyo State Governments for failing to resolve long-standing welfare issues affecting resident doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, respectively, both of which are currently under indefinite strike actions.
Furthermore, the association faulted the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for allegedly downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and accused the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria of failing to issue certificates to qualified candidates.
While commending Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, for his prompt payment of the 2025 MRTF, NARD accused most other state governments of “negligence and insensitivity” for failing to do the same.
The communiqué demanded:
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Immediate implementation of the 2024 CONMESS
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Resolution of all outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna and Oyo States
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Timely payment of MRTF to all resident doctors nationwide
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Proactive measures to curb doctor emigration and maintain industrial harmony
The association warned that if its demands are not met by September 10, 2025, it will embark on a full-scale nationwide strike.
