The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government, following the expiration of an earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.
The resolution came after a six-hour virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the association noted the government’s promises but insisted on immediate action.
In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by Dr. Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors listed several demands. These include:
- Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
- Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS review
- Clearance of long-standing salary backlogs
- Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
- Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
- Recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
- Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
- Implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure
- Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State
- Intervention in the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
Resident doctors play a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare system, forming the backbone of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Their strikes often cripple health service delivery, leaving patients stranded.
Speaking to our correspondent on Thursday, Dr. Osundara confirmed that the government had reached out, but stressed that time was running out.
“The Federal Government called us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to address our concerns. After a six-hour deliberation, we decided to give them the next 24 hours to ensure disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, recognition of our certificates, and settlement of our other demands. If there is no payment by today (Thursday), then tomorrow (Friday), we will start the strike immediately.”
According to him, over 2,000 resident doctors nationwide are still awaiting payment of the MRTF.
