Posted on: Wed 10-09-2025

 

Public hospitals brace for disruption as resident doctors meet over unmet demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today (Wednesday) hold a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide whether to proceed with a nationwide strike following the expiration of its ultimatum to the Federal Government.

The association had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to relevant government agencies, warning of industrial action if long-standing welfare and payment issues were not resolved.

Nigeria’s overstretched public health system—already battling with a shortage of doctors, dilapidated infrastructure, and overcrowded hospitals—faces fresh uncertainty should the doctors vote for a shutdown. Resident doctors make up the bulk of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, and any strike action typically paralyses services nationwide.

In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors listed their demands. These include 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 other salary backlogs.

They are also seeking payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

In addition, the doctors want the 2024 CONMESS implemented in full, unresolved welfare issues in Kaduna State addressed, and relief provided for resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, NARD President, Dr. Osundara, confirmed that today’s meeting would be decisive.
“We will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. 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 said.

NARD’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, echoed the warning, stressing that patience was running out.
“We gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it in good faith, but nothing has been done. If our demands remain unaddressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony,” he said.

Health experts fear that another strike could force patients to turn to costly private hospitals, deepen inequality in access to care, and worsen Nigeria’s health outcomes.

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