Resident Doctors Give FG Four-Week Ultimatum to Meet Demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the federal government a four-week deadline to meet its longstanding demands, stressing the urgency but not specifying consequences if ignored.

This decision was announced in a communique following NARD’s May Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference held from May 26 to 31, 2025, at Villa Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

“The OGM gives the National Officers’ Committee the next four weeks to continue engagement with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the above demands, after which the NEC will reappraise the situation,” the communique stated.

The meeting, themed “The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects,” featured a keynote address by Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City.

Key Demands by NARD Include:

Immediate payment of arrears from the 25/35% CONMESS salary increase and other outstanding salaries

Full implementation of the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage adjustments with arrears

Swift disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)

Completion of 2023/2024 accoutrement allowance payments

Inclusion of resident doctors in the specialist allowance scheme

Full regularisation and remuneration of locum doctors

Prompt resolution of welfare issues at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC)

Engagement with the Federal Ministry of Health to establish sustainable employment practices and stem the tide of brain drain

Improved welfare packages for doctors in state hospitals and training institutions