The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands, following the expiration of its earlier 10-day deadline on September 10.
They arrived at the decision at a six-hour meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, held virtually on Wednesday.
The president of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, stated that the association acknowledged the government’s promise to address their concerns but insisted on immediate action.
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 demanded immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.
Resident doctors are the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, delivering a significant portion of clinical services in federal and state hospitals.
Any strike action by the association frequently paralyzes healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and facilities overburdened.
Speaking with the press 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, over 2,000 resident doctors across the country are still awaiting payment of the MRTF.
