Nigeria’s health sector is on the brink of another industrial crisis as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a final 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning that failure to address its lingering demands will result in a nationwide strike.

 

The ultimatum followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting of the association, held virtually on Sunday. A communiqué issued after the meeting was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasaola Odunboku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.

 

In the communiqué, NARD expressed frustration at the Federal Government’s failure to fulfil several key promises made to the association, despite repeated ultimatums and negotiations. It stated that doctors can no longer endure the government’s unresponsiveness, especially in the face of mounting economic hardship.

 

Some of the unresolved issues highlighted include the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to many resident doctors across the country, as well as the failure to pay five months’ arrears from the recently reviewed 25% and 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS). Other outstanding entitlements cited are the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance arrears and persistent delays in the payment of specialist allowances.

 

“The Federal Government has continued to renege on its commitments despite a three-week ultimatum issued in July. This has further worsened the hardship faced by our members, many of whom are unable to register for essential postgraduate examinations due to financial constraints,” the communiqué read.

 

Beyond welfare concerns, NARD also raised alarm over regulatory issues in the profession. The association accused the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) of downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, describing the move as unfair and damaging to professional advancement.

 

It further criticized the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for allegedly failing to issue membership certificates to doctors who had already met all necessary requirements.

 

The communiqué also appealed to state governments, urging governors to prioritize the welfare of doctors in their respective states. It specifically called for timely disbursement of residency training funds, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, and proactive measures to discourage the mass emigration of medical professionals—a trend that has severely depleted Nigeria’s healthcare workforce in recent years.

 

In its resolution, the E-NEC resolved to extend the ultimatum to all relevant government agencies for an additional 10 days, setting a firm deadline of Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The doctors warned that if the demands are not met by then, they will have no choice but to embark on a nationwide strike.

 

“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action,” the communiqué declared.

 

Observers say that if the strike goes ahead, it will cripple Nigeria’s already fragile health system, leaving patients stranded in government hospitals and worsening access to healthcare nationwide. Resident doctors constitute the bulk of the medical workforce in tertiary hospitals, and their withdrawal of services often results in near-total shutdown of clinical operations.

 

As the countdown begins, attention is now on the Federal Government and the Ministry of Health to see if urgent steps will be taken to avert another round of disruption in the country’s health sector.