Doctors issue ultimatum, signaling imminent strike
Doctors issue ultimatum, signaling imminent strike
Resident doctors across Nigeria have once again threatened to go on strike, giving the Federal Government a 10-day ultimatum to address their demands, or risk a nationwide work stoppage.
The warning came on Monday from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in a statement signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity/Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, following an emergency virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on Sunday.
The doctors accused the government of failing to fulfill previous agreements, citing issues such as the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS salary review, and the pending 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.
NARD also condemned the downgrading of West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College.
The association also criticized the Kaduna State Government for failing to honor agreements with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and faulted the Oyo State Government for neglecting the welfare crisis at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors are currently on an indefinite strike.
However, the communiqué praised state governors who have already disbursed the 2025 training fund, urging others to follow their example.
With the deadline set to expire on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, NARD warned that a nationwide strike would be inevitable if the government does not take action.
“The NEC is issuing a final 10-day ultimatum to all relevant government agencies. Should these demands remain unmet, we will have no choice but to commence a strike,” the doctors stated.
