Nigeria News Today – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on a nationwide strike after the federal government failed to address its minimum demands within the 24-hour ultimatum issued on Wednesday.
NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, confirmed that the industrial action commenced at midnight on Friday, September 12, 2025, following the expiration of the deadline given after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting.
The virtual E-NEC meeting, which had representatives from federal, state, and private tertiary health institutions in attendance, reviewed the earlier three-week ultimatum issued in July and a subsequent 10-day extension.
Key Grievances
The doctors expressed disappointment over what they described as the federal government’s failure to act in good faith on critical welfare issues, including:
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Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to several resident doctors.
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Failure to settle five-month arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS salary review.
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Unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowance and other outstanding arrears.
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The downgrade of postgraduate membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
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Delay by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) in issuing certificates to qualified candidates.
The association also condemned the Oyo State Government’s handling of welfare issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors have been on indefinite strike. It further criticised other state governments that failed to disburse the MRTF to resident doctors under their employment.
Strike Resolutions
NARD demanded the immediate release of the 2025 MRTF, settlement of all outstanding arrears, restoration of recognition for postgraduate certificates, and urgent state-level interventions on doctors’ welfare.
Dr. Osundara emphasised that the strike became inevitable after government authorities failed to meet even the minimum demands within the ultimatum period.
Impact on Healthcare
With public hospitals across Nigeria expected to be affected, the strike has sparked fears of worsening access to healthcare for millions of citizens who rely on government-owned health institutions.
