The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands, after the expiration of an earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.
The new decision was reached after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said while the association acknowledges the government’s promises, it demands immediate action.
The doctors are insisting on the immediate disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, full payment of five months’ salary arrears following the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and resolution of other long-standing entitlements, including the 2024 accoutrement allowance and specialist allowances.
They are also demanding the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria restore recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates and that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria issues certificates to eligible candidates.
Welfare issues in Kaduna and the conditions of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, are also among their key concerns.
Resident doctors are central to Nigeria’s public healthcare system, and any strike action typically cripples service delivery in both federal and state hospitals.
Dr. Osundara warned that unless payments and commitments are fulfilled within the 24-hour window, a nationwide strike will commence immediately. Over 2,000 doctors are still awaiting their training fund disbursements, he added.
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