The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has handed the Federal Government a 24-hour ultimatum to meet their demands. The decision followed a six-hour virtual meeting held on Wednesday by the National Executive Council following the expiration of the 10-day deadline.
NARP’s President, Dr Tope Osundara, said the association acknowledged the government promises, but the association demands immediate action.
On September 1, in a statement, NARD leaders first demanded immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
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Furthermore, they requested settlement of salary arrears, including five months from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, along with other pending arrears.
They further demanded payment of the 2024 allowance arrears and prompt disbursement of specialist allowances to members.
Additionally, the doctors pressed for the restoration of recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council.
They also urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates promptly to all deserving candidates.
Moreover, NARD demanded implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, resolving Kaduna welfare issues, and urgent intervention for LAUTECH.
Resident doctors anchor Nigeria’s health system, delivering major services nationwide.
In a statement on Thursday by the NARP’s President, “The Federal Government called us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to address our concerns”.
After six hours of deliberation, “we gave the government 24 hours to release the Residency Fund, upgrade certificates, and meet demands.”
According to him, more than 2,000 resident doctors across Nigeria remain unpaid under the Medical Residency Training Fund.
He warned that if payment is not made today, the union will begin strike action tomorrow to press unresolved demands.
