The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to resolve longstanding welfare issues affecting resident doctors nationwide or face a possible nationwide strike.
The resolution was reached at the end of the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually, where NARD also declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government over unresolved welfare concerns.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, the association warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week deadline if its demands were not fully met.
Among its key demands are the immediate payment of 19 months’ outstanding professional allowance arrears, settlement of unpaid salary and promotion arrears, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible resident doctors within 21 days.
NARD also directed its National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary procedures for possible industrial action if the Federal Government fails to address the issues within the stipulated period.
The association expressed concern over the persistent delay in the payment of salaries and other entitlements to House Officers, describing the situation as unacceptable and warning that it would no longer tolerate the hardship imposed on young doctors.
It further demanded the immediate payment of arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors.
NARD also condemned the refusal of some hospital managements to provide call meals for doctors on duty, warning that such anti-welfare practices could threaten industrial peace in the health sector.
On the situation at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, the association called for an immediate end to what it described as the victimisation, intimidation and harassment of resident doctors.
The association equally rejected attempts to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, insisting that the existing government circular abolishing the practice remains in force.
While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement with the Federal Government, NARD maintained that it would not hesitate to embark on industrial action if its demands remain unresolved after the expiration of the four-we
ek ultimatum.
