In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association said the decision followed its Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.
The doctors recalled that they had earlier issued a three-week ultimatum in July, later extended by another three weeks “in the interest of industrial harmony” to allow for dialogue. However, NARD lamented that despite the extension, the government failed to honour its promises.
According to the communiqué, many resident doctors are yet to receive their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, while arrears of five months from the 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review and other longstanding entitlements remain unpaid.
The E-NEC also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for allegedly downgrading membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and faulted the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for failing to issue membership certificates.
It further condemned the non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and accused some state governments of neglecting their doctors. In particular, it faulted the Kaduna State Government for allegedly reneging on agreements with ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, as well as the Oyo State Government for failing to address welfare challenges at ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, where doctors remain on indefinite strike.
NARD, however, commended state governments that have already paid the 2025 MRTF, describing the gesture as proof of their commitment to doctors’ welfare.
The doctors demanded immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, recognition of postgraduate membership certificates, and resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna and Oyo states.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to comply by Wednesday, September 10, 2025, will leave us with no choice but to embark on a nationwide strike,” the communiqué warned.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
