The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), will hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today (Wednesday) to decide on its line of action following the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
News360 Info reports that the doctors, who form the bulk of the workforce in Nigeria’s teaching and specialist hospitals, had threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if their long-standing demands were not addressed.
In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association listed its demands.
These include:
Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent CONMESS salary review.
Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
Recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates.
Resolution of welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The doctors also demanded that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates and ensure full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
Speaking with Punch on Tuesday, Osundara confirmed that today’s NEC meeting would be decisive.
He said, “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 First Vice-President, Tajudeen Abdulrauf, warned that a strike remained a strong possibility if the government failed to act.
He said, “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.”
