The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has given the Federal Government and relevant state authorities a 10-day ultimatum to address its demands or face a nationwide strike.
The warning came after an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on Sunday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said on Monday that the government has failed to honour several promises made to the association.
“Our members are still unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The five months’ arrears from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary review remain unpaid, and the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears have not been settled,” Osundara said.
The association also condemned the downgrading of membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and the delay by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in issuing membership certificates.
“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates… as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates,” the communiqué stated.
The council faulted Kaduna and Oyo state governments for failing to address welfare issues affecting resident doctors in their hospitals.
“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments… The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike,” the association added.
NARD, however, praised some state governors for paying the 2025 residency training funds on time.
The doctors warned that if the government fails to meet their demands by September 10, 2025, they will begin a nationwide strike.
The council is demanding immediate payment of the 2025 training fund, settlement of salary arrears, payment of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action,” the statement read.
