Resident Doctors to Hold Emergency Meeting as 30-Day Ultimatum to FG Nears Expiry

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will convene an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as its 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government approaches its deadline.

According to a notice signed by NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the virtual meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m. via Zoom, will focus on reviewing the government’s response to the association’s demands. The notice described participation as “crucial” given the sensitive stage of the ongoing negotiations.

The meeting comes as NARD’s ultimatum enters its final days. On Thursday, the association reminded the public via its official X handle that only four days remain before the deadline expires. “A 50 per cent drop in resident doctor numbers, yet the government still can’t pay the remaining ones a decent salary comparable to other serious African countries,” the post read.

In an interview with The Guardian, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, said the association would act strictly in line with the resolutions of its NEC members. “We are still within the 30-day window approved by our Annual General Meeting. Government still has time to engage us,” he said. “If the NEC directs continued dialogue, we will comply. But if the NEC says shutdown, NARD will have no choice but to act accordingly.”

Suleiman reiterated that doctors deserve fair remuneration and improved working conditions, stressing, “Nigerians deserve to be treated by doctors who are well-rested, properly remunerated, and fairly rewarded for their service.”

NARD’s ultimatum was issued following its 45th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held in Katsina State between September 21 and 26, 2025. The meeting, themed “Mitigating Health Worker Migration Through Extra-Remuneration Incentives: A Strategy for Sustainable Development,” addressed worsening brain drain and poor welfare in Nigeria’s health sector.

The association’s key demands include payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears, reinstatement of dismissed doctors, full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and inclusion of house officers in the civil service scheme.

NARD also called on the Federal Government to implement the 25–35 per cent salary increase, adopt a one-for-one replacement policy to fill workforce gaps, and prioritise pension and infrastructure reforms in the health sector.

Additionally, the association urged the Oyo State Government to resolve welfare challenges at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, and condemned the dismissal of five doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.

As the October ultimatum nears its conclusion, Saturday’s emergency meeting is expected to determine whether Nigeria’s public hospitals will face another nationwide strike.