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Physicians

Nigerian Doctors Issue Ultimatum to Federal Government over Unresolved Demands

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the federal government a 10-day ultimatum to meet their outstanding demands, or risk a nationwide industrial action. The association's decision was reached during a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Sunday, where they condemned the government's failure to meet their demands despite earlier promises. NARD's demands include the payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of five months of outstanding Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, and other unpaid allowances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the federal government, warning of a nationwide industrial action if their demands are not met.
  • The association's demands include the payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of five months of outstanding Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, and other unpaid allowances.
  • NARD also criticized the government for failing to pay five months of arrears from the 25/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
  • The association named specific institutions where doctors are on strike or have outstanding grievances, including ARD Kaduna, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.
  • NARD commended state governors who have demonstrated commitment to the welfare of doctors by paying the 2025 MRTF.
  • The council also condemned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for downgrading membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.
  • NARD urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to promptly issue certificates to qualified candidates in line with international best practices.
  • The council appealed to all state governors to prioritize doctors' welfare, ensure timely payment of MRTF, and take proactive measures to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.

Statistics:

  • 10-day ultimatum issued by NARD to the federal government.
  • 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) unpaid to many resident doctors.
  • Five months of outstanding Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears unpaid.
  • 2024 Accoutrement Allowance unpaid.
  • Thousands of doctors on strike or with outstanding grievances nationwide.
  • 2025 MRTF payment rate: unknown (no specific number provided).
  • Number of doctors affected by unpaid allowances and CONMESS arrears: unknown (no specific number provided).

Sources:

  • Communique issued by NARD after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, signed by Tope Osundara, Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Omoha Amobi.
  • Premium Times, 2025. "NARD Gives FG 10-Day Ultimatum Over Unpaid Allowances, CONMESS Arrears".

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