Resident doctors have threatened an indefinite nationwide strike after issuing a final 10-day ultimatum over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and training funds.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it will embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if the federal and state governments fail to meet its long-standing demands within the next ten days.
This warning was contained in a communiqué released at the end of its Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, which held virtually on Sunday, August 31, 2025.
The communiqué was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.
The association recalled that it had earlier given the federal government a three-week ultimatum in July, which was subsequently extended by another three weeks to allow further engagement with relevant stakeholders.
However, after carefully reviewing developments during Sunday’s meeting, the doctors expressed disappointment that the government had failed to deliver on its promises.
Top among NARD’s grievances is the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a vital support scheme designed to aid resident doctors undergoing specialised training.
According to the association, several doctors across the country remain unpaid, creating financial strain and discouraging young professionals from pursuing residency programmes.
In addition, the doctors condemned the outstanding arrears of the 2024 accoutrement allowance and the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears arising from the 25 percent/35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, which was meant to improve the pay scale of medical professionals.
Beyond financial entitlements, the E-NEC also raised alarm over threats to professional recognition.
The association described as “unjust and unacceptable” the downgrading of membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
Furthermore, the doctors criticised the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for what they called persistent bureaucratic delays in issuing membership certificates to qualified medical professionals.
They warned that such practices undermine the morale of young doctors and erode confidence in the Nigerian medical education system.
The communiqué also highlighted the plight of resident doctors employed by state governments, particularly those working in Oyo State.
NARD called on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently resolve the welfare concerns of doctors at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where unpaid benefits and poor working conditions continue to affect service delivery.
The association extended this appeal to all state governors, urging them to:
Prioritise the welfare of doctors in state-owned hospitals and medical training institutions.
Ensure the timely release of the MRTF to their resident doctors.
Implement proactive measures to curb the ongoing mass emigration of Nigerian doctors, which has worsened the shortage of medical personnel across the country.
NARD made it clear that the 10-day ultimatum, which expires on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, represents its final concession.
Quoting from the communiqué, the association warned: “The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands.
“Failure to do so will leave the council with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action.”
If carried out, the strike could cripple healthcare delivery in Nigeria, as resident doctors constitute the bulk of the medical workforce in teaching hospitals and federal medical centres nationwide.
The association urged the government to act swiftly to avert an industrial crisis that could further strain Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system.
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