The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned it will embark on strike action if the Federal Government fails to address its demands within the next 24 hours.
However, the new ultimatum follows the expiration of the association’s 10-day notice, which lapsed on September 10.
The decision was reached after a marathon six-hour virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council on Wednesday, September 10.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday, September 11, NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, said the association acknowledged government assurances but insisted that tangible action must follow immediately.
“We decided to give the government the next 24 hours to ensure the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund to beneficiaries, for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to upgrade our membership certificates, and to attend to our other demands,” Osundara stated.
In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and jointly signed by Osundara; General Secretary, Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Omoha Amobi, the association outlined its outstanding grievances.
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These include payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of five months’ arrears resulting from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment, and clearance of long-standing salary backlogs.
The doctors also demanded settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt release of specialist allowances, and reinstatement of the recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
NARD further called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates without delay, implement the 2024 CONMESS review, and resolve pending welfare concerns in Kaduna State.
The association equally highlighted the plight of its members at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, urging urgent intervention.
Osundara emphasised that over 2,000 resident doctors across the country are still awaiting the Medical Residency Training Fund, noting that patience within the ranks is wearing thin.
He warned that unless immediate payments are made and other commitments fulfilled, the association will have no choice but to withdraw its services.
Resident doctors constitute the bulk of Nigeria’s medical workforce, delivering essential care in federal and state hospitals. Their withdrawal of service has in the past brought public healthcare to a standstill, overwhelming the system and leaving patients with limited options.
