The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today (Wednesday) hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide on its next course of action following an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
Earlier, the association had given a 10-day deadline to relevant agencies, warning that failure to meet their demands could trigger a nationwide strike.
The development comes at a time when Nigeria’s overstretched health sector is battling with poor infrastructure, overcrowded facilities, and an acute shortage of medical personnel.
Resident doctors — who form the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals — have staged multiple strikes in recent years over unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and unfavourable working conditions. Experts caution that another shutdown could paralyse healthcare delivery, forcing patients into costly private hospitals and worsening already fragile health outcomes.
In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors demanded:
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Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
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Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS review.
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Clearance of other long-standing salary backlogs.
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Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
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Full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
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Resolution of welfare crises in Kaduna State.
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Intervention in the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Dr. Osundara confirmed on Tuesday that today’s NEC meeting will determine whether industrial action is unavoidable.
“If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance, including the possibility of a strike,” he said.
NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also stressed that unless the government meets their demands, industrial harmony cannot be guaranteed.
