Resident doctors to decide on nationwide strike as govt fails to respond to ultimatum

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will convene its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today (Wednesday) to deliberate on the next steps following an unmet ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

Ten days ago, the association issued a final warning to relevant authorities, threatening a nationwide strike should the government fail to address their long-standing demands. The looming decision comes at a time when Nigeria’s overstretched public healthcare system is already buckling under the strain of inadequate infrastructure, a dwindling number of medical professionals, and overcrowded facilities.

Resident doctors—who form the backbone of medical care in federal teaching hospitals and specialist centres—have staged multiple strikes in recent years, protesting unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and welfare neglect. Health analysts caution that another walkout could severely disrupt service delivery, push patients towards costly private alternatives, and deepen the country’s healthcare crisis.

In a communiqué released on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association outlined a list of unmet demands. These include the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ worth of arrears following the 25–35 per cent review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and resolution of other outstanding salary issues.

Other key demands highlighted in the document are the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and reinstatement of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates.

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Additionally, NARD called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to all eligible candidates, enforce the 2024 CONMESS, and resolve critical welfare concerns affecting resident doctors in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Speaking ahead of the NEC meeting, NARD President Dr. Osundara stated, “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.”

Also confirming the agenda, NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, emphasized the potential for a nationwide strike if the government fails to act. “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,” he said.

All eyes are now on the NEC’s decision, which could determine whether the nation’s public hospitals remain functional or enter another period of paralysis.

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