Resident Doctors Meet Today As Strike Deadline Nears

Resident Doctors Meet Today As Strike Deadline Nears

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today (Wednesday) convene its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide its next course of action regarding an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

Earlier, the association had given a 10-day deadline to relevant government agencies, warning of a nationwide strike if its demands were not addressed.

The threat adds to growing concerns over Nigeria’s overstretched public health system, which continues to struggle with inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded facilities, and a worsening shortage of doctors.

Resident doctors, who form the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly embarked on industrial actions in recent years over issues such as unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and unfavorable working conditions.

Health experts caution that another strike could paralyze medical services across the country, pushing patients toward costly private hospitals and further worsening health outcomes.

In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors demanded the immediate release of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of other salary backlogs.

They also insisted on the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, timely disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates.

Furthermore, NARD urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to all eligible candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve lingering welfare challenges in Kaduna State, and address the grievances of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara said the outcome of today’s NEC meeting would shape the association’s next move.

“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 said.

NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene to review the situation.

“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 said.