The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will today (Wednesday) reconvene its National Executive Council meeting to review the Federal Government’s response to its pending demands, with the possibility of a nationwide strike hanging in the balance.
NARD had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning that members would embark on industrial action if their grievances were not addressed.
The association’s demands, contained in a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, include immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.
They also demanded payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, as well as implementation of the 2024 CONMESS. Other issues raised include welfare matters in Kaduna State and the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking on Tuesday, NARD President, Dr. Osundara, said the association’s next steps would depend on the outcome of today’s NEC meeting.
“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (today), and the outcome will determine our next line of action. At the meeting, we will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action,” he stated.
NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene today to take a final decision.
“The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response to our demands. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. Remember, we gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it. In the spirit of dialogue, the NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for another three weeks, yet nothing has been done. When we meet tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action,” Abdulrauf explained.
Experts have, however, warned that another shutdown by resident doctors could cripple healthcare delivery, push patients towards costly private care, and further strain Nigeria’s already fragile public health system, which continues to grapple with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded hospitals, and a shortage of medical personnel.
