Resident doctors threaten indefinite strike over lingering demands

Crisis is looming in the health sector following declaration by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) of commitment to its plan to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike beginning September 10 if the Federal Government fails to address its outstanding welfare issues

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara said that despite a meeting with government representatives last week, there had been “no positive response” to the association’s demands.

He noted that the 10-day ultimatum issued earlier remained in force, warning that failure to act could result in a breakdown of the healthcare system.

In a communiqué signed after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, NARD listed grievances including non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

The association also raised concerns over certificate delays and downgrades by regulatory bodies, as well as unfulfilled agreements by the Kaduna and Oyo State governments.

Dr. Osundara said that unresolved issues could disrupt the training and career progression of young doctors, further worsening the healthcare situation.

“They will lose one year, and the government will still have to fund this training the following year. So, it is more or less like the government is the one losing,” he argued.

He added that while the government recently paid part of salary arrears, the payments were incomplete.

He noted: “They have not done anything aside from the two-month arrears out of the seven months, and they didn’t pay the accurate amount. It’s up to them to find a solution.”

Osundara also disclosed that more than 2,000 doctors across multiple teaching hospitals, including Calabar, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Maiduguri are yet to receive their MRTF, with the registration deadline for examinations expiring on September 5.

“Those who were not paid are really agitated, and the deadline is this Friday,” he warned.

The Federal Government had in July inaugurated a Committee on Collective Bargaining to engage health sector unions on issues of remuneration, working conditions, and welfare.

But NARD insists progress has been slow, “As it stands, after the 10 days of the ultimatum, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony,” Osundara said.