The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has placed the Federal Government on notice, issuing a new 24‑hour ultimatum to resolve its outstanding demands.
This demand follows the expiration of a previous 10‑day deadline on 10 September.
During a six‑hour virtual meeting of its National Executive Council on Wednesday, NARD leadership reaffirmed the urgency of their appeals, despite government assurances, the doctors remained unconvinced of swift action.
Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, said while the government had pledged to address their concerns, the association now requires tangible results.
Their demands, outlined in a communiqué issued on 1 September and signed by Drs. Osundara, Oluwasola Odunbaku (General Secretary) and Omoha Amobi (Publicity Secretary), include Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS (Consolidated Medical Salary Structure) review, plus other salary backlogs.
Others are; Clearance of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Issuance of membership certificates to qualified candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN), Full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS structure and Resolution of welfare challenges facing residents in Kaduna State and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
Dr. Osundara warned: “If there is no payment by today (Thursday), then tomorrow (Friday), we will commence strike action immediately.”
The ultimatum holds significant implications for Nigeria’s public health system, where resident doctors serve as frontline clinicians.
Any disruption in their services could severely strain hospital operations across the country.
