Just In: Nigerian Resident Doctors Issue Fresh 24-Hour Strike Ultimatum to Government
Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria- The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands or face immediate strike action.
The warning follows the expiration of an earlier 10-day deadline on 10 September.
The association’s National Executive Council reached the decision after a six-hour virtual meeting on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, acknowledged government assurances but insisted on immediate action. “The Federal Government called us yesterday and promised to address our concerns. After a six-hour deliberation, we decided to give them 24 hours. If there is no payment today, by tomorrow we will begin the strike,” he told reporters on Thursday.
In a communiqué dated 1 September 2025, signed by Dr Osundara, General Secretary Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Dr Omoha Amobi, the doctors demanded urgent payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and backlog of unpaid allowances.
They also called for the release of the 2024 accoutrement allowance, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of West African postgraduate certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and resolution of welfare concerns in Kaduna and Ogbomoso.
Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday, Dr. Osundara said, “The Federal Government called us yesterday (Wednesday) and promised to address our concerns.
“After a six-hour deliberation, we decided to give the government the next 24 hours to ensure the disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund to beneficiaries, for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to upgrade our membership certificates, and to attend to our other demands.
“If there is no payment by today (Thursday), then tomorrow (Friday), we will start the strike immediately.”
According to him, more than 2,000 resident doctors across the country are still awaiting payment of the MRTF.
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