By Peace Udugba
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government to act on its demands or face industrial action.
Speaking to newsmen on Thursday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said while the association acknowledges the government’s promises, it now demands immediate implementation.
He stated that the resolution was reached following a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Wednesday.
NARD’s demands include the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and other unpaid salary backlogs.
The association also seeks the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, timely disbursement of specialist allowances, and the restoration of recognition for the West African Postgraduate Medical College membership certificates.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has reiterated its warning of an imminent nationwide strike, giving the Federal Government a 24-hour deadline to meet its outstanding demands or face industrial action beginning Friday.
In addition to earlier demands, the association called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS adjustment, resolve lingering welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna State, and urgently address the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking on Thursday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, revealed that the Federal Government reached out on Wednesday and promised to look into their concerns. However, after a six-hour virtual meeting of its National Executive Council, the association resolved to wait no longer.
“If there is no payment by today (Thursday), then tomorrow (Friday), we will start the strike immediately,” Osundara declared.
NARD had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum, which expired without resolution. The renewed threat comes amid ongoing strikes by resident doctors in Abuja and Oyo State.
Resident doctors, who make up a significant portion of the workforce in Nigeria’s teaching and specialist hospitals, have persistently raised concerns over unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and substandard working conditions.
