Resident Doctors Issue 10-Day Ultimatum To Nigerian Government, Threaten Nationwide Strike.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a nationwide strike if their demands for improved welfare and working conditions are not met by 10 September 2025. The decision, announced on Monday, 1 September, follows an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday, with a communiqué signed by NARD President Dr Tope Osundara, General Secretary Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr Omoha Amobi.
NARD, representing medical school graduates training as specialists and forming the backbone of Nigeria’s emergency and specialist healthcare, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to honour commitments made after a three-week ultimatum issued in July, which was extended by another three weeks to allow further engagement. The association highlighted several grievances, including the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to many eligible doctors, unpaid arrears from the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, and five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
The communiqué also condemned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons and criticised the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for delays in issuing membership certificates. Additionally, NARD called out the Kaduna State Government for failing to honour agreements with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and the Oyo State Government for neglecting welfare issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where an indefinite strike is ongoing.
Among the key demands are the immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF, settlement of all outstanding salary arrears, commencement of specialist allowance payments, restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate certificates, and resolution of welfare concerns in Kaduna and Oyo States. NARD urged state governors to prioritise doctors’ welfare to curb brain drain and maintain industrial harmony, commending those who have paid the 2025 MRTF as a sign of commitment.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies. Failure to do so by Wednesday, 10 September 2025, will leave us with no option but to embark on a nationwide strike,” the communiqué warned, signalling the potential for significant disruption to Nigeria’s healthcare system if demands remain unmet.
The threat of industrial action comes at a critical time, with Nigeria’s health sector already strained by underfunding and the emigration of medical professionals. NARD’s demands reflect broader calls for systemic reforms to ensure sustainable healthcare delivery. As the deadline approaches, stakeholders await the government’s response to avert a crisis that could paralyse hospitals nationwide.