Resident doctors give FG 4-week ultimatum over unpaid salaries, welfare issues

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the full implementation of outstanding agreements relating to salaries, allowances, and welfare.

The warning was announced at the end of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and scientific conference, which held from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.

According to the doctors, several previously agreed commitments with the government remain unresolved, affecting their earnings, working conditions, and overall welfare. The association said the delays have placed significant strain on members and could disrupt healthcare delivery if not addressed promptly.

In a communiqué signed by Mohammad Suleiman, NARD president, the association expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders for their roles in ongoing engagements.

The NEC acknowledged the reinstatement of disengaged doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and commended the intervention of the ministry of labour and employment and the integrated payroll and personnel information system (IPPIS) on the outstanding 25 and 35 percent consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) and accoutrement allowance arrears.

NARD also noted that promotion and salary arrears had been forwarded to relevant authorities, with assurances from the minister of finance that payments would be expedited.

However, the association expressed concern over delays in circulating the directive affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors.

It also decried the non-payment of the professional allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act and persistent salary arrears across several health institutions.

The association warned of worsening industrial relations at the Benue state University Teaching Hospital and demanded urgent action, alongside calls for improved welfare, timely release of training funds and renewed investment in health infrastructure nationwide.

“The NEC demands the expeditious clearance of the outstanding 25%/35% CONMESS arrears and accoutrement allowance arrears within the assured two weeks, as committed by the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), following the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment,” the communique reads.

“The NEC demands the prompt payment of all promotion arrears already forwarded to the appropriate authorities, in line with the assurances of the Honourable Minister of Finance for payment within the next four (4) weeks.

“The NEC demands the expedited payment of all outstanding salary arrears owed to specific centres, which have been duly forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Finance for processing, within the assured four (4) week timeline.

“After exhaustive deliberations and in recognition of the progress made by the Federal Government towards addressing the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike (TICS) for a further period of four (4) weeks as a further goodwill gesture, to allow for the full implementation of the Association’s demands.”

The association had earlier suspended its plan to commence another strike on January 12.

The doctors said this was done after firm commitments from critical stakeholders following Shettima’s intervention.