The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the federal government and relevant agencies to meet their demands, warning of a nationwide strike if the issues are not resolved by September 10, 2025.
The ultimatum was announced in a communiqué signed by NARD leaders following an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on August 31, 2025.
Key grievances include the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to many resident doctors, outstanding five-month arrears from the 25%/35% consolidated medical salary structure (CONMESS) review, and unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowances.
NARD also condemned the downgrading of membership certificates from the West African Colleges by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and the persistent non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Furthermore, the association criticized Kaduna and Oyo state governments for failure to meet commitments to resident doctors, with ongoing indefinite strikes in some teaching hospitals.
NARD demands immediate payment of all outstanding funds, commencement of specialist allowances, and restoration of proper recognition for postgraduate certificates.
If the federal and state governments fail to address these issues within 10 days, NARD has vowed to withdraw services nationwide, which could severely impact healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
