Strike Looms as Resident Doctors Review Unmet Demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today, Wednesday, hold a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide on its ultimatum to the Federal Government over unmet demands.

The doctors had earlier issued a 10-day notice, warning of a nationwide strike if issues affecting their welfare and working conditions were not resolved.

Nigeria’s health sector, already struggling with a shortage of doctors, poor facilities, and overcrowded hospitals, could face further disruption if the strike goes ahead. Resident doctors, who form the backbone of medical staff in teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly staged walkouts in recent years over unpaid salaries and poor welfare.

In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association demanded immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of long-standing salary backlogs. Dante Colle sex rough

Other demands include the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and resolution of welfare concerns in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Dr. Osundara said the NEC meeting would review whether the government had made any progress. If not, members could decide on industrial action.

NARD’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, added that while the association had extended previous ultimatums in the spirit of dialogue, failure to address the doctors’ grievances meant a strike could no longer be ruled out.