The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will today Wednesday convene its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to determine whether to embark on a nationwide strike following an unmet ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.The doctors had earlier given a 10-day deadline, warning of industrial action if long-standing demands remained unresolved.
These include the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, backlog of salaries, 2024 accoutrement allowance, and specialist allowances.
The association is also pushing for the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, and resolution of welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the government’s level of response would guide the association’s decision. “If there is meaningful progress, it will shape our decision. If not, the council will take a firm stance, which may include industrial action,” he said.
NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, confirmed that the NEC would review the situation today, stressing that failure to address the demands could disrupt industrial harmony in the health sector.Experts have warned that another strike could paralyse Nigeria’s already overstretched public healthcare system, pushing more patients to costly private hospitals and worsening health outcomes nationwide.
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