NARD NEC meets to assess the government’s response to unresolved salary arrears, allowances, and training fund demands.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will, today (Wednesday), hold its National Executive Council meeting to determine its next line of action as its 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government expires.
The association had on September 1 issued a 10-day notice to relevant government bodies, warning that its members would embark on a nationwide strike should the government fail to meet its demands.
The development comes at a critical time for Nigeria’s already overburdened public healthcare system, which is grappling with doctor shortages, poor infrastructure, and inadequate funding.
Resident doctors, who form the majority of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals across the country, have repeatedly protested poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, and working conditions over the years, leading to frequent industrial actions.
In the communiqué issued after its Extraordinary NEC meeting and signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association demanded:
• Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
• Settlement of five months’ arrears following the 25–35% review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS)
• Payment of outstanding 2024 accoutrement allowances
• Disbursement of specialist and hazard allowances
• Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate medical certificates
• Certificates issued by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all deserving candidates
In addition, the doctors called on the government to address welfare concerns affecting members at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday ahead of the meeting, NARD President Dr. Osundara said the outcome of the NEC meeting would determine the association’s position on the strike.
“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (Wednesday), 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,” he said.
“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.”
Also speaking, NARD’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, confirmed that the NEC would reconvene to assess the government’s level of compliance with its demands.
“The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely,” he said.
“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.”
Healthcare analysts have warned that another nationwide strike by resident doctors could severely disrupt public hospital services, forcing patients to seek expensive private healthcare and increasing pressure on an already fragile health sector.
As of press time, no official statement had been issued by the Federal Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Labour and Employment in response to the doctors’ demands.
