The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today (Wednesday) hold its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to determine whether to embark on a nationwide strike, following the expiration of its 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The looming decision comes at a time when Nigeria’s overstretched healthcare system is already buckling under the weight of inadequate infrastructure, doctor shortages, and overcrowded hospitals. Experts fear that if the resident doctors—who make up the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals—down tools, public healthcare delivery could be brought to its knees, leaving millions of patients stranded.
In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors reiterated their demands. Among them are the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and clearance of long-standing salary backlogs.
They also pressed for the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and swift issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria. Welfare concerns in Kaduna State and the plight of doctors at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, were also listed as urgent issues.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara confirmed that today’s NEC meeting would review whether the government had made tangible progress.
“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,” he stated.
NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, reinforced this position, noting that the association had already shown patience by extending an earlier three-week ultimatum.
“If our demands remain unaddressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony. A strike is still very much on the table,” he warned.
With the deadline now expired, all eyes are on the outcome of today’s NEC meeting, which could determine whether Nigeria’s already fragile public health sector plunges into another nationwide shutdown.
