Doctors’ Strike Imminent as NARD’s Ultimatum to Federal Government Nears Expiration

With just six days remaining before the expiration of its 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has expressed frustration over 19 unresolved welfare and administrative issues affecting its members nationwide.

In a communiqué released after its Annual General Meeting in Katsina State and signed by Secretary General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, NARD lamented the harsh working conditions faced by doctors, including unregulated work hours and prolonged call duties, describing the situation as “unsustainable” and dangerous to both doctors and patients.

The association condemned the government’s failure to pay the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent upward review arrears of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which were due in August 2025, as well as other unpaid salaries.

NARD also decried the dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, amid widespread burnout and the ongoing “Japa” brain drain, and criticized delays in promotion arrears and unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowances.

The doctors’ body further accused the Federal Ministry of Health of introducing bureaucratic obstacles that have delayed the upgrading and proper placement of resident doctors who have completed postgraduate examinations. It also noted that resident doctors remain excluded from the specialist allowance, despite their vital contribution to patient care.

According to the communiqué, medical and dental house officers have been denied inclusion in the civil service scheme, leaving them without pay slips, professional recognition, or consistent salaries.

NARD expressed concern over the slow pace of the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Federal Government, lamenting that the CONMESS salary structure has not been reviewed in 16 years.

The group also faulted the downgrading of newly employed resident doctors’ entry level, the non-payment of corrected professional allowances, and the casualisation of medical staff in federal hospitals.

Additionally, NARD criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and the National Postgraduate Medical College for delays in issuing membership certificates.

The communiqué highlighted worsening infrastructure, equipment failure, and the non-replacement of doctors who have left the service, further increasing workloads and burnout.

It also objected to the creation of “consultant cadres” for non-medical doctors, saying the move undermines patient care.

NARD urged the Federal Government to urgently implement the special pension benefits agreed upon with the NMA in July 2025 and warned that failure to address these issues before the ultimatum expires could trigger a nationwide strike.