The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday commenced a five-day warning strike having accused the Nigerian government of ignoring long-standing demands over welfare and remuneration.
Penpushing reports that, it is recalled that previous strikes by the association which constitutes the bulk of medical personnel in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals, have often crippled services across hospitals nationwide
The association’s strike was confirmed in a statement titled “Declaration of strike action” and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku explaining that the action was necessary as government inaction had left doctors with no choice.
“As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. today (Friday). All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course’, the statement reads
Penpushing further reports that the doctors had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government on Wednesday to address its outstanding demands, following the expiration of an earlier 10-day deadline on September 10,2025.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) had, in July, issued a three-week ultimatum, but in the interest of industrial harmony, the National Executive Council (NEC) extended the deadline to allow for further engagement with stakeholders.
Penpushing also reports that among Demands, the grievances are the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
The doctors, however, conveyed disappointment at the Nigerian government’s failure to fulfil its commitments regarding the release of funds for the payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to numerous resident doctors.
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