Unpaid arrears: Resident doctors give FG 4-week ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued the Federal Government a fresh four-week ultimatum to address longstanding welfare concerns affecting resident doctors nationwide or risk industrial action.

The association warned that it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week period if the government fails to meet its demands, which include the payment of 19 months’ professional allowance arrears, outstanding salary and promotion arrears, as well as the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).

The decision was reached at the end of the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually.

NARD, in a communique signed by its President, Dr Mohammed Suleiman, declared an industrial dispute with the federal government over unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors across the country.

“The Council further declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government of Nigeria over the unresolved issues outlined above. It warned that the Association cannot guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week window if all its demands are not fully addressed,” the resident doctors stated.

NARD also directed its National Officers’ Committee to activate all necessary procedures for possible industrial action should the government fail to comply within the stipulated timeframe.

Among its key demands is the immediate payment of the outstanding 19 months’ professional allowance arrears and the settlement of salary and promotion arrears owed doctors in several health institutions across the country.

The association further called for the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund to eligible resident doctors nationwide within 21 days.

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Expressing concern over persistent delays in the payment of salaries and other entitlements to House Officers, NARD described the situation as unacceptable.

“The continued hardship imposed on House Officers through delayed remuneration is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated,” the association warned.

NARD also urged the government to immediately pay the outstanding arrears arising from the 25/35 per cent upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors.

The association condemned the refusal of some hospital managements to provide call meals for doctors on duty, warning that such anti-welfare practices could undermine industrial peace in the health sector.

On the situation at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, NARD demanded an immediate end to what it described as the victimisation, intimidation and harassment of resident doctors at the institution.

It also rejected attempts to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, insisting that the existing government circular abolishing the practice remains valid.

While reaffirming its commitment to dialogue and constructive engagement with the federal government, the association maintained that it would not hesitate to take appropriate action if its demands remain unresolved at the expiration of the four-week ultimatum.