The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today (Wednesday) hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide on its next line of action following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
The doctors had earlier given a 10-day deadline to relevant government agencies, warning of a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
The threat of industrial action comes at a time when Nigeria’s public health system is under severe strain, struggling with inadequate infrastructure, overstretched hospitals, and a shortage of medical personnel. Resident doctors — who form the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals — have staged several strikes in recent years over issues ranging from unpaid salaries to poor welfare conditions.
Health experts caution that another shutdown could cripple public healthcare delivery, pushing patients into costly private care and worsening health outcomes across the country.
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 listed its demands. These include immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of outstanding salary backlogs.
Other demands are the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates, and the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates. The association also urged the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State, and attention to the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking to “The PUNCH” on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara said today’s NEC meeting would be decisive.
“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 weigh 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 stated.
