Monday, September 1, 2025 - The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to all relevant government agencies.
The warning was contained in a communiqué signed by Tope
Osundara, its president; Oluwasola Odunbaku, its general secretary; and Omoha
Amobi, its publicity and social secretary; after a national executive council
(E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday, August 31.
In July, NARD issued a three-week ultimatum, which was
subsequently extended by three weeks, to engage with all relevant stakeholders,
after which it would reconvene to reassess the extent of implementation of its
demands.
During Sunday’s meeting, the E-NEC condemned the federal
government’s failure to fulfil its promises, noting that a substantial number
of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 medical residency training
fund.
The association also condemned the non-payment of the 2024
accoutrement allowance arrears, and the outstanding five months’ arrears
arising from the 25 percent/35 percent consolidated medical salary structure
review.
“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading
of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and
Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the
persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate
Medical College of Nigeria,” the communique reads.
“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the
Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna
and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed
Memoranda of Understanding.
“The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government
to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital,
Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike action in the hospital.”
The association demanded the immediate payment of the
outstanding 2025 MRTF to all eligible resident doctors, the settlement of the
outstanding five months’ arrears of CONMESS, the commencement of payment of
specialist allowances to all doctors, and the restoration of the recognition of
the West African postgraduate membership certificates to their rightful
status.
“The E-NEC demands the immediate implementation of the 2024
CONMESS and resolution of all outstanding welfare concerns in Kaduna State,
noting that the indefinite strike by our members has already resumed and will
continue until these demands are met,” the communique added.
“The E-NEC demands that the Governor of Oyo State, His
Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, immediately resolve the welfare concerns of
resident doctors under the employment of the state government, particularly
those at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.
“The E-NEC urges all State Governors to prioritise the
welfare of doctors in their state-owned hospitals and training institutions,
ensure the timely payment of MRTF to their resident doctors, and take proactive
steps to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all
relevant government agencies to meet these demands.
“Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday,
10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on
a nationwide strike action.”
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