A fresh crisis is imminent in Nigeria’s health sector following a final 10-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD.
The group gave the ultimatum after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.
A communique issued after the meeting was signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasaola Odunboku and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi.
It said at the expiration of the final 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and other relevant authorities, they would proceed to a nationwide industrial action.
NARD is accusing the Nigerian Government of failure to fulfil key promises made to the association.
Some of the issues included non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to a large number of resident doctors across the country, as well as the government’s alleged “failure to address critical welfare issues,” such as the non-payment of five months’ arrears from the reviewed 25 per cent / 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance arrears, and the persistent delay in payment of specialist allowances.
“The Federal Government has continued to renege on its commitments despite a three-week ultimatum issued in July. This has further worsened the hardship faced by our members, many of whom are unable to register for essential postgraduate examinations due to financial constraints,” the communiqué read.
The association further criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for allegedly downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.
It also slammed the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for failing to issue membership certificates to qualified candidates.
“The E-NEC urges all State Governors to prioritise the welfare of doctors in their state-owned hospitals and training institutions, ensure the timely payment of MRTF to their resident doctors, and take proactive steps to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.”
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands.
“Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action,” the doctors declared.
