The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government and relevant authorities, demanding urgent action on a series of unresolved welfare-related grievances or risk a full-scale industrial action that could cripple healthcare services across the country.
The warning emerged from a communiqué released at the end of the association’s May Ordinary General Meeting and Scientific Conference, which took place from May 26 to 31, 2025, at Villa Hilton Hotel, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The week-long event, themed “The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects,” brought together prominent figures from Nigeria’s medical, legal, and traditional sectors to deliberate on the intersection of healthcare, governance, and ethics.
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City. Another notable moment came during a high-powered panel session on “Medical Ethics and the Law: Conflicts and Convergences,” which provoked rich discussions around the legal implications of medical decisions and professional boundaries.
In the communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope, and Secretary-General, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, the association accused the Federal Government of demonstrating what it described as “deliberate neglect” of the welfare and professional development of resident doctors nationwide. According to the association, the persistent failure of the government to meet previously agreed obligations is not only disheartening but dangerous to the survival of the nation’s healthcare system.
Among the key issues cited were the non-payment of reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears—specifically the 25% and 35% salary adjustments, the delayed implementation of consequential salary adjustments stemming from the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage increments, and the continued exclusion of resident doctors from specialist allowances. NARD also raised alarm over the chronic understaffing of hospitals, casualisation of medical officers, and the failure to pay long-overdue accoutrement allowances and salary arrears, particularly those owed to doctors at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), some of which date back more than a year.
Describing the situation as intolerable, Dr. Osundara stated: “The silence from government authorities in the face of these glaring issues is unacceptable and detrimental to the sustainability of the healthcare system. Our members have exercised extraordinary patience, but that patience must not be mistaken for weakness. How can young doctors deliver optimal care when they are overworked, underpaid, and treated with disregard? Enough is enough.”
NARD declared that it had instructed its National Officers’ Committee to intensify efforts to engage with relevant government bodies over the next four weeks. However, the association did not mince words in warning that if tangible progress is not recorded within that period, the National Executive Council will reconvene to determine its next line of action, potentially a nationwide strike.
Despite its strong stance against the Federal Government’s handling of resident doctors’ welfare, NARD acknowledged several state governments for their proactive and supportive policies. Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State received commendation for being the first to implement the newly reviewed Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) rates. Also recognised were Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for implementing favourable salary scales for entry-level doctors. The association extended appreciation to the governments of Kwara, Delta, and Enugu States for the prompt disbursement of MRTF and other welfare measures.
Particular praise was given to Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, for their forward-thinking healthcare reforms that are said to have significantly improved service delivery and worker morale in the state.
In addition to deliberations, the Uyo conference also featured medical outreach programmes. Through its flagship T-DROP initiative, NARD members visited the Divine Mercy Motherless Babies Home in Uyo, offering free medical check-ups and care to children. The conference concluded with a series of scientific sessions aimed at enhancing clinical competence and professional development among resident doctors.
As the clock begins to tick on the issued ultimatum, NARD reiterated its firm commitment to the welfare of its members and to the delivery of quality healthcare across Nigeria. The communiqué closed with a resolute message: “Our patience is not infinite. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of equity, fairness, and the dignity of medical professionals. The era of lip service is over; we demand action.”
