By Muhammad Mamman
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to address its unresolved demands or risk an immediate nationwide strike.
The decision was reached after a marathon six-hour virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council on Wednesday.
Confirming the development on Thursday, NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, said that while government representatives had repeatedly pledged to resolve the issues, the union could no longer tolerate delays.
The doctors’ demands include the immediate payment of the outstanding 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 are also pressing for the release of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and full recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates.
In addition, NARD is urging the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to qualified candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, address welfare concerns affecting doctors in Kaduna State, and resolve lingering disputes at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
This fresh ultimatum comes just days after the association’s earlier 10-day warning notice, in which it threatened industrial action if the Federal Government failed to act.
With the deadline now reduced to hours, the Federal Government faces renewed pressure to avert another crippling strike in the health sector.
