NARD reviews 30-day ultimatum on October 25 as key demands remain unmet. Possible strike looms amid ongoing welfare and policy grievances with FG

NARD reviews 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government as the association of resident doctors prepares for a crucial virtual meeting on Saturday, October 25, 2025.

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In a notice obtained on Tuesday, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting to assess government response to unresolved issues affecting medical professionals nationwide.

The meeting, to be held virtually, may determine whether the doctors proceed with industrial action.

The notice, signed by NARD Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, called for the participation of all centre presidents, general secretaries, and caucus leaders.

“Your presence and participation are crucial in addressing the matter at hand,” the statement read.

NARD had on 26 September issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, citing a range of unmet welfare, salary, and structural demands.

With the deadline approaching, Saturday’s meeting takes on significant weight.

The doctors lament persistent overwork, salary shortfalls, and unpaid allowances, particularly the non-payment of the 25% and 35% upward review arrears under CONMESS, despite assurances that they would be settled by August.

NARD also criticised the recent dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, calling it unjust and demoralising, especially amid worsening brain drain and burnout.

Doctors cited delays in promotion, failure to upgrade ranks after postgraduate exams, and salary discrepancies affecting hundreds of practitioners across federal institutions.

The association decried the non-payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance and exclusion of resident doctors from the specialist allowance, even though they provide frontline specialist-level clinical services.

House officers remain excluded from the civil service scheme, leaving many unpaid or underpaid, and robbing them of timely professional recognition.

NARD also objected to the downgrading of new residents’ salary scale, saying it caused arrears and inconsistency in federal hospitals.

The group further condemned the downgrading of West African membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), stating that the practice undermines regional standards and is not in line with other ECOWAS nations.

It also expressed frustration over the failure of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to qualified specialists.

The doctors warned that deteriorating hospital infrastructure, obsolete equipment, and poor remuneration are driving an exodus of medical talent, leaving the remaining workforce overstretched and under-resourced.

NARD criticised the lack of one-for-one replacement policy, arguing that vacancies from resignations are left unfilled, compounding workforce shortages.

They also rejected the creation of consultant cadres for non-medical doctors, describing the move as professionally unsound and harmful to patient care.

The association noted slow progress in collective bargaining between the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the government, with the CONMESS salary structure unrevised for over 16 years.

Discrepancies with CONHESS allowances also remain unresolved.

NARD further condemned the non-implementation of agreed special pension benefits contained in a July 2025 MoU signed with the NMA.

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As the deadline nears, all eyes are on the October 25 meeting, which could trigger a fresh wave of industrial action in Nigeria’s strained healthcare system if grievances remain unaddressed.