The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is convening its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today to determine its course of action following the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
According to News, the doctors, who represent a significant portion of the workforce in Nigeria’s teaching and specialist hospitals, have threatened to initiate a nationwide strike if their long-standing demands are not addressed.
In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association outlined its demands, which include:
- Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
- Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 percent CONMESS salary review.
- Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
- Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
- Recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates.
- Resolution of welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
- Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates.
- Full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
Speaking with Punch on Tuesday, Osundara confirmed that today’s NEC meeting would be critical in shaping their next steps. He stated, “We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (today), and the outcome will determine our next line of action. At the meeting, we will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action.”
NARD First Vice-President Tajudeen Abdulrauf emphasized that a strike remains a strong possibility if the government fails to respond adequately. He remarked, “The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response to our demands. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. Remember, we gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it. In the spirit of dialogue, the NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for another three weeks, yet nothing has been done. When we meet tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action.”
#NARD #ResidentDoctors #Nigeria #Healthcare #Strike #MedicalDemands #GovernmentResponse #DoctorWelfare
