The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today (Wednesday) to decide on the next steps regarding an ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government.
The association had previously handed down a 10-day notice to relevant agencies, warning that members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were ignored.
This looming threat comes at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare system is already under strain, facing a shortage of medical professionals, inadequate facilities, and overcrowded hospitals.
Resident doctors, who represent the majority of the workforce in specialist and teaching hospitals, have frequently staged strikes in recent years over salary arrears, poor welfare, and unfavorable working conditions. Experts caution that another industrial action could severely disrupt healthcare delivery, forcing patients to seek costly private treatment and worsening health outcomes across the country.
In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors outlined their demands. These include the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and clearance of other salary backlogs.
They further requested the settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, timely payment of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates. The communiqué also urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to all qualified candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare-related concerns in Kaduna State, and address issues affecting resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara stressed that the NEC’s decision today would determine the association’s direction.
“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,” he said.
NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene to assess the government’s response.
“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,” Abdulrauf said.
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