The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is holding its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today, September 10, 2025, to decide on the possibility of a nationwide strike.
This comes after the association issued a 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on September 1, demanding urgent action on a number of unresolved issues affecting its members.
Among the key demands are the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears tied to the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance. The doctors are also pressing for the release of specialist allowances, recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates, and the issuance of pending membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
Additionally, NARD has called for the resolution of welfare disputes affecting its members in Kaduna and the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking ahead of the NEC meeting, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, stressed that the doctors have exercised patience but will not hesitate to take decisive action if the government fails to meet their demands. Similarly, the association’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, warned that industrial harmony could not be guaranteed without a tangible government response.
The outcome of today’s meeting will determine whether hospitals across the country face a major disruption, adding strain to Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system. Experts warn that a strike could force patients to seek high-cost private alternatives, worsening access to healthcare nationwide.
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