JUST IN: Resident Doctors Issue New 24-Hour Ultimatum to Federal Government
JUST IN: Resident Doctors Issue New 24-Hour Ultimatum to Federal Government
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its unresolved demands, following the lapse of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.
The decision came after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council held on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, noted that while the association acknowledged the government’s assurances, it was demanding immediate implementation.
In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by Dr. Osundara; the General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors called for the prompt release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other outstanding salary backlogs.
They also demanded the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
In addition, they called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Resident doctors form the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, providing a large share of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Any strike action by the association often paralyses healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.
In an interview with our correspondent on Thursday, Dr. Osundara revealed that the Federal Government had reached out to the association on Wednesday, assuring them that their concerns would be addressed.
He explained that after a six-hour deliberation, NARD resolved to grant the government an additional 24 hours to release the Medical Residency Training Fund to beneficiaries, ensure the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria upgrades their membership certificates, and meet the rest of their demands.
“If the payment is not made today (Thursday), we will commence strike action tomorrow (Friday),” he warned.
Dr. Osundara further disclosed that over 2,000 resident doctors nationwide are still awaiting the disbursement of the MRTF.
