On September 11, 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has dramatically extended a strike ultimatum by an additional 24 hours, intensifying pressure on the Federal Government.
This fresh deadline follows the expiration of an earlier 10-day ultimatum that ended on September 10, 2025, amid heated frustrations over unmet demands.
NARD’s National Executive Council convened virtually for six hours on September 10, 2025, to deliberate the government’s stalling .
Dr. Tope Osundara, President of NARD, acknowledged a recent government promise but made clear that mere assurances were insufficient.
The association demands immediate action, warning that if conditions remain unaddressed by September 11, 2025, a nationwide strike will commence on September 12 .
The Core of the Conflict: Unpaid Funds and Unmet Promises
At the impasse’s heart lies Federal Government’s failure to disburse 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
This fund is pivotal in supporting doctors undergoing essential postgraduate training.
Over 2,000 resident doctors are currently awaiting payment, thereby deepening grievances .
Doctors demand payment of five months’ arrears from 25–35% CONMESS salary increase, largely unpaid so far.
Long-standing salary backlogs and unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowance aggravate medical workers’ financial neglect.
Doctors condemned MDCN for downgrading West African postgraduate membership certificates, undermining their professional recognition and status.
They demand that the council restore recognition, which has implications for their career advancement and professional status .
Additional Grievances Amplify the Crisis
NARD’s demands extend beyond financial recompense.
The association is pressing the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates promptly to all qualified doctors.
They also call for the full implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and for urgent resolution of welfare issues in states like Kaduna .
Specific attention is drawn to the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, where unresolved challenges add to nationwide concerns .
The Government’s Failures and the Ministry of Finance’s Role
The ongoing conflict highlights a glaring disconnect between the government’s promises and actual implementation.
NARD accuses the Ministry of Finance of being the main obstacle to releasing the promised funds.
Even as the Ministry of Health reportedly fulfills its obligations.
This bureaucratic bottleneck has fueled distrust and skepticism among the medical community .
Impact on Nigeria’s Healthcare and Public Outcry
The looming resident doctors’ strike threatens to cripple Nigeria’s healthcare system across federal and state hospitals.
Past strikes by NARD have led to hospital understaffing and disrupted medical care, putting millions of citizens at risk.
NARD’s demands highlight systemic neglect and broken commitments plaguing Nigeria’s healthcare workforce for years.
Many Nigerians see government delays and evasions as betrayal of dedicated life-saving doctors.
The strike could ignite widespread outrage and expose the fragile state of public service treatment in Nigeria.
Controversy and Accountability
This latest ultimatum casts a harsh light on governmental inefficiency and misplaced priorities.
How can Nigeria justify neglecting doctors sustaining its critical public health system?
Also controversial is the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s downgrading of West African postgraduate certificates.
Undermining the legitimacy and recognition of doctors’ hard-earned qualifications.
This act disrespects the professional dignity of resident doctors and adds fuel to the fire .
The Countdown to Crisis
With less than 24 hours left, tension grows in Abuja and Nigeria’s hospitals nationwide.
The association has made its position unmistakably clear: pay what is owed or face a nationwide strike starting September 12, 2025.
Nigeria stands on brink; government must act swiftly to prevent monumental health crisis.
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