The nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) entered its fifteenth day on Saturday, with the union urging the Federal Government to finally conclude the long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that has stalled for months.
In a statement shared on X, NARD criticised what it described as the government’s persistent foot-dragging on commitments that directly affect the welfare and retention of medical professionals.
The association also renewed its call for an urgent overhaul of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which it says no longer reflects current economic realities or the value of doctors’ labour.
“Doctors deserve fairness and clarity in their working terms,” the union wrote. “We have waited far too long for a properly negotiated CBA. As the cost of living rises, morale continues to sink.”
The ongoing industrial action has disrupted services in 91 federally run hospitals, including teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and federal medical facilities, leaving patients across the country facing delays and cancelled appointments.
NARD reiterated that its 19-point demand is neither excessive nor unreasonable, stressing that improvements are necessary not only for doctors’ welfare but also for the stability of the nation’s healthcare system.
Among the demands are payment of outstanding CONMESS arrears, release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, timely settlement of specialist allowances, recognition of postgraduate certifications, and better working environments.
Despite government directives, NARD said delays in finalising the CBA and reviewing salaries have continued to demoralise doctors, many of whom face rising living costs while providing critical medical services.
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