Tension In Health Sector As Resident Doctors Issue Fresh 24-Hour Warning

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands, after the expiration of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.

The decision came after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Wednesday.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, told Punch that while the association noted the government’s assurances to address their concerns, it now expects urgent action.

“The Federal Government reached out to us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to resolve our issues. After a six-hour deliberation, we agreed to give them 24 hours to ensure the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund, the upgrade of our membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and action on our other demands. If there is no payment today (Thursday), then by tomorrow (Friday), we will commence an indefinite strike,” Osundara said.

Earlier, in a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors listed several demands. These included immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of other long-standing salary backlogs.

They also called for payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and the restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Additionally, the association demanded that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates, full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State, and urgent intervention in the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.