The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government to address a series of long-standing demands affecting its members. However, the association did not state what actions would follow if the government fails to respond within the period.
The resolution was contained in a communique released at the end of NARD’s May Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference, held from May 26 to May 31, 2025, at Villa Hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
According to the communique, the National Officers’ Committee has been mandated to continue engaging relevant stakeholders within the four-week window. The National Executive Council (NEC) will then reappraise the situation and decide on the next steps.
The meeting, which is one of NARD’s statutory gatherings, was themed “The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects.” It featured a keynote address by Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City.
Among the critical issues raised were the non-payment of arrears from the recent 25/35 percent upward review of the CONMESS salary structure, delayed implementation of minimum wage adjustments from 2019 and 2024, and the need for prompt disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The doctors also called for the completion of 2023/2024 Accoutrement Allowance arrears and the inclusion of resident doctors in specialist allowance payments. NARD demanded the regularisation and full remuneration of locum doctors, improved welfare for medical workers in state hospitals, and the resolution of persistent issues at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), including months of unpaid salaries.
In the communique signed by NARD President Dr. Osundara Tope, Secretary-General Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, and Public and Social Secretary Dr. Amobi Omoha, the association expressed frustration over what it described as 16 years of short-changing doctors through improper salary adjustments—violating the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
NARD also condemned the continued casualisation and poor pay practices imposed by the heads of tertiary hospitals, warning of an escalating shortage of medical personnel due to these conditions.
While criticising the government’s failure to meet longstanding demands, the association acknowledged some progress. It commended the federal government and relevant agencies for efforts in clearing MRTF backlogs from 2022 to 2024 and welcomed the ongoing processing of the 2025 disbursement.
