The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to determine this Wednesday whether to initiate a nationwide strike, as the deadline they set for the Federal Government to address their outstanding concerns comes to an end.
Having previously issued a 10-day ultimatum to government agencies, NARD cautioned that its members would halt medical services if critical welfare issues remain unresolved. This potential strike looms over Nigeria’s already fragile public healthcare system, which is grappling with a shortage of medical professionals, insufficient facilities, and overcrowded hospitals.
According to a statement released on September 1, 2025, and endorsed by NARD’s President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association outlined several key demands. These include the immediate release of the pending 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, clearance of five months’ arrears related to the 25-35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure adjustment, and settlement of other longstanding salary dues.
Additionally, the doctors are calling for the payment of overdue 2024 accoutrement allowances, timely distribution of specialist allowances, and reinstatement of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates. They also urge the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to grant membership certificates to all eligible candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS guidelines, resolve welfare challenges in Kaduna State, and improve conditions for resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.
In an interview with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara emphasized the significance of the upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
“Our NEC meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, and its decisions will shape our future course of action. We will evaluate whether the government has made any substantial progress in meeting our demands. A positive development will influence our approach, but if no progress is evident, the council will consider decisive measures, including potential industrial action,” he explained.
First Vice-President of NARD, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would carefully review the government’s response.
“The meeting’s outcome hinges on how the government addresses our concerns. Without satisfactory action, maintaining industrial peace will be difficult, and a strike remains a strong possibility. We initially issued a three-week ultimatum in July, which was extended. In a bid to foster dialogue, the NEC directed the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for an additional three weeks, yet no progress has been made. Our meeting tomorrow will assess the government’s response and determine the next steps,” Abdulrauf stated.
Experts caution that another strike could severely disrupt healthcare services nationwide, compelling patients to turn to expensive private healthcare options and exacerbating the already critical health challenges facing the country.
