The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will meet this Wednesday to decide how to proceed with a pending ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The association had earlier issued a 10-day deadline to relevant government agencies, warning that members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.
The threat coincides with increasing strain on Nigeria’s already precarious public health system, which is already dealing with overcrowding in hospitals, inadequate facilities, and a lack of doctors.
Join our WhatsApp community
In recent years, resident doctors who make up the majority of the medical staff in teaching and specialty hospitals, have gone on strike numerous times over unpaid salaries, subpar working conditions, and poor welfare.
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 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs.
“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (today), and the outcome will determine our next line of action. At the meeting, we will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action,” he said.
Join our WhatsApp community
The resident doctors association’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, also confirmed that the NEC would reconvene today to assess the situation.
“The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response to our demands. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. Remember, we gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it. In the spirit of dialogue, the NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for another three weeks, yet nothing has been done. When we meet tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action,” Abdulrauf said.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
