Resident doctors threaten nationwide strike, issue 24-hour ultimatum

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to meet its demands or face a nationwide strike.

The doctors’ union had earlier given a 10-day deadline to address outstanding issues but lamented that nothing concrete has been done. According to NARD, the government’s delay in implementing agreements has left them with no choice but to consider full-scale industrial action.

This renewed threat comes as resident doctors in Abuja and Oyo State have already embarked on strike, crippling healthcare services in key medical centres.

Resident doctors, who form the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have staged multiple strikes in recent years over delayed salaries, welfare concerns, and poor working conditions.

Their current demands include the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of other salary backlogs.

They are also seeking settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, timely payment of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates. In addition, they want the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to eligible candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare challenges in Kaduna State, and address issues affecting resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Speaking on the issue, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the association’s decision came after a six-hour virtual meeting of its National Executive Council.

According to him, while the government has assured doctors that the issues would be addressed, the association expects immediate action.

He said: “The Federal Government called us yesterday and promised to address our concerns.

“We had our meeting and after a six-hour deliberation decided to give the government next 24 hours to ensure disbursements of MRTF to beneficiaries, for MDCN to upgrade our membership certificates and attend to our other demands.

“If nothing happens before the end of today (Thursday), we will commence the strike immediately tomorrow (Friday).
“The government should expedite action on the demands before