The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and relevant agencies to meet its welfare demands or face a nationwide strike.
The association’s warning was contained in a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
NARD recalled that in July it gave the government a three-week ultimatum, which was later extended by another three weeks “in the interest of industrial harmony” to allow for further engagement with stakeholders.
However, it noted that despite the extension, the Federal Government had failed to honour its promises.
“The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises, noting with dismay that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund. The government has also refused to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears,” the communiqué stated.
NARD said unless urgent action is taken to address these concerns before the ultimatum expires, resident doctors across the country will be compelled to withdraw their services, potentially grounding healthcare delivery in federal and state hospitals.
