The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government and its agencies a 10-day ultimatum to address pressing welfare concerns or face a nationwide strike.

In a communiqué released on Monday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association said the resolution was reached during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Sunday.

NARD recalled that in July it had issued a three-week strike notice, which was later extended by another three weeks “to promote industrial harmony” while engaging stakeholders. However, the doctors lamented that the government had failed to honour its commitments.

According to the communiqué, many resident doctors are still yet to receive their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, while five months of arrears from the 25%/35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review remain unpaid, alongside other outstanding entitlements.

The group also faulted the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for allegedly downgrading membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and criticised the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for delays in issuing membership certificates.

Furthermore, the doctors decried the non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance and condemned state governments for neglecting their members. Specifically, NARD accused the Kaduna State Government of failing to meet agreements with its members at ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and the Oyo State Government of ignoring the challenges faced by doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing strike there.

On the other hand, the association commended governors who had already released the 2025 MRTF, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to healthcare workers’ welfare.

The communiqué demanded immediate settlement of all pending arrears and allowances, restoration of postgraduate membership certificate recognition, and resolution of doctors’ grievances in Kaduna and Oyo states.

“The NEC hereby issues a final 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and all concerned agencies to meet these demands. Should the deadline, which expires on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, lapse without action, resident doctors across the country will proceed on an indefinite nationwide strike,” the statement read.