Resident doctors in Nigeria issue strike warning, give FG 10-day ultimatum
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Monday warned the Federal Government of Nigeria and relevant agencies of an impending strike action by its members if their welfare demands are not met within ten days.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by NARD 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 by the association.
According to the communique, the Union said it had earlier given a three-week ultimatum, but extended it by additional three weeks to allow the National Officers’ Committee engage stakeholders on the subject, and that despite the extension, the Federal Government refused to fulfil its pledges.
The communiqué read, “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 percent/35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears.
“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.”
Decrying failure to pay the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, NARD said some state governments have neglected their doctors, while commending other state Governors who have complied with the 2025 MRTF payment to doctors.
The union further demanded immediate payment of all outstanding allowances and entitlements as well as compliance by the authorities with other demands.
“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed Memoranda of Understanding. 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 action in the hospital,” the doctors said.
“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 communiqué warned further.
