The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) may embark on strike in the next 24 hours following the expiration of the 10-day ultimatum it earlier issued to the federal government over outstanding allowances dating back to 2024.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of NARD will hold today (Wednesday) where the leadership of the union will review the response of the government so far.
Confirming the meeting, the National President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara told Punch newspaper that they will review the progress made so far and then take the next line of action.
According to him, “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.”
NARD had in a communique it issued on September 1, 2025 demanded the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlog; payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
The communique signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi also demanded the issuance of membership certificates to all qualified candidates as well as the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
Other demands of NARD include the resolution of all outstanding welfare issues of their members in Kaduna State, and resident doctor at the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
The strike threat has elicited serious concerns among Nigerians who are already burdened by the inadequacy in healthcare services. Doctors and other health workers in Nigeria are currently under heavy pressure due to mass emigration of health workers out of the country in search of better pay and more supportive work environment.
Nigerian hospitals continue to grapple with worn-out equipment, lack of power and generally decrepit structures that most time constitute a hinderance to proper healthcare services.
Resident doctors are the engine room of Nigerian medical services as they constitute majority in teaching hospitals and specialist services.
