Doctors on Edge: Federal Government Gets Four Weeks to Avoid Medical Showdown
Byline: IDNN Health Desk
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has fired a stern warning shot at the federal government, issuing a four-week ultimatum to fulfill outstanding obligations — or risk a full-scale disruption of medical services nationwide.
The ultimatum was announced in a communique released after NARD’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. With tensions already high across public hospitals, the doctors’ message is clear: pay us, protect us, or prepare for fallout.
“We are not making empty threats,” declared Dr. Osundara Tope, NARD President. “The time for patience is over. If the government fails to act, we will.”
What NARD Is Demanding
The doctors’ list of demands is extensive and urgent:
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Immediate payment of arrears following the 25/35% upward revision of CONMESS salaries
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Disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
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Settlement of unpaid 2023/2024 Accoutrement Allowance
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Inclusion of resident doctors in specialist allowance payments
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Full regularisation and remuneration for locum doctors
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Urgent resolution of welfare crises at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC)
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Policy reforms to address chronic underemployment and brain drain in state-run hospitals
NARD also accused Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of engaging in exploitative employment practices that have “casualised” and underpaid doctors in clear violation of labour agreements.
“The failure to adjust our salaries since 2009, despite inflation and increased workload, is a calculated injustice,” added Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem, NARD Secretary-General.
“This Is Not a Drill” — Nationwide Impact Looms
While NARD didn’t spell out the specific consequences if the federal government fails to comply, its history suggests that a nationwide strike is on the table — and closer than ever.
The doctors emphasized that the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, IPPIS, and other federal bodies must urgently release the backlog of allowances and improve the welfare landscape across tertiary hospitals.
If ignored, the consequences will be dire: emergency units crippled, surgeries cancelled, medical training disrupted — with patients caught in the middle.