The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has handed the Federal Government a fresh four-week ultimatum to address lingering welfare and remuneration issues or face a nationwide industrial action.
The resolution was reached at an extraordinary virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday, following the expiration of its earlier 21-day ultimatum.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association lamented what it described as the government’s slow response to its demands.
According to the doctors, several commitments made by the Federal Government have yet to be fulfilled, warning that continued inaction could disrupt industrial peace after the expiration of the new deadline.
“The association cannot guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week window if all its demands are not fully addressed,” the communiqué stated.”
The association also directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for industrial action if there is no significant progress before the ultimatum expires.
Among its major concerns is the non-release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), which it said remains outstanding despite repeated assurances by the Federal Government.
NARD stressed that the fund is essential for the training and professional development of resident doctors nationwide, describing the delay as unacceptable.
The association also expressed concern over the continued delay in the payment of salaries and other entitlements to House Officers in several medical institutions, noting that many doctors are still owed allowances and salary arrears.
It further demanded the immediate settlement of the outstanding 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears and the backlog of 19 months’ Professional Allowance arrears.
“NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments,” the association said.”
The resident doctors also accused the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, of victimising its members and vowed to resist any form of intimidation or harassment.
In addition, the association faulted moves to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, arguing that such a policy would further compound the challenges confronting medical practitioners.
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