Strike imminent as doctors issue ultimatum

Resident doctors across Nigeria have again threatened to down tools, giving the Federal Government a 10-day ultimatum to meet their demands or face a crippling nationwide strike.

The warning was issued on Monday by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara, General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity/Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.

The doctors accused the government of failing to honour agreements, including the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS salary review, and the outstanding 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

NARD also condemned the downgrading of West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College.

The association further blasted the Kaduna State Government for reneging on signed agreements with doctors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital and faulted the Oyo State Government for ignoring the welfare crisis at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors remain on indefinite strike.

The communiqué, however, commended state governors who have paid the 2025 training fund, urging others to emulate them.

With the deadline expiring on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, NARD warned that a nationwide strike will commence if the government fails to act.

“The NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies. Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to embark on strike,” the doctors said.