Nigerian Resident Doctors Give Federal Government Four-Week Ultimatum to Meet Demands
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has once again drawn attention to the deteriorating state of the healthcare sector in Nigeria. At the end of its May 2025 Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, NARD issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government, demanding urgent action on a list of long-standing issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.
This development is not just a reflection of a union fighting for its members—it is a clear cry for help from frontline healthcare professionals grappling with underpayment, poor working conditions, and widespread neglect by the government. The implications for Nigeria’s healthcare system are far-reaching, especially at a time when brain drain continues to strip hospitals of skilled professionals.
Key Highlights from the May 2025 NARD Meeting
The meeting, which took place from May 26 to May 31, 2025, was themed “The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects.” It gathered hundreds of resident doctors from across the country and featured a keynote address by Dr. Philip Ugbodaga, the Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Benin City.
At the end of the conference, NARD issued a communique summarizing its resolutions and formally presenting its demands to the federal government. The communique was signed by Dr. Osundara Tope (President), Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola (Secretary-General), and Dr. Amobi Omoha (Public and Social Secretary).
“The OGM gives the National Officers’ Committee the next four weeks to continue engagement with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the above demands, after which the NEC will reappraise the situation,” the communique stated.
Although the association did not explicitly state what actions it would take if the government fails to act within the four-week period, the language of the communique underscores a high level of urgency and growing frustration among healthcare workers.
What Are the Key Demands of Nigerian Resident Doctors in 2025?
The list of demands presented by NARD includes both financial and structural reforms that are crucial for sustaining the nation's already overstretched healthcare system. These demands are not new—they have been raised over the years without substantial government action. Here’s a breakdown of what the doctors are asking for:
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Immediate Payment of Salary Arrears and the 25/35% CONMESS Salary Adjustment
Resident doctors are demanding the full and immediate payment of all salary arrears, including the long-delayed 25% and 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) increases. These salary adjustments were approved but have not been consistently implemented across institutions. -
Implementation of Minimum Wage Adjustments (2019 and 2024) with Arrears
Despite the implementation of new minimum wages in both 2019 and 2024, doctors say they are yet to see the corresponding salary upgrades with arrears paid as expected under federal labor laws. -
Speedy Disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
The MRTF is a critical allowance designed to support doctors undergoing residency training. NARD is demanding immediate processing and payment of the 2025 fund, warning that any delays could disrupt training and further worsen the country’s healthcare manpower crisis. -
Settlement of the 2023/2024 Accoutrement Allowance
This allowance covers uniforms and other essential tools resident doctors need for daily work. Its non-payment, according to NARD, has forced many doctors to spend out of pocket for items they are legally entitled to. -
Inclusion in the Specialist Allowance Scheme
Resident doctors are currently excluded from receiving specialist allowances, despite performing similar duties and undergoing specialist training. NARD is calling for an immediate end to this discrimination. -
Proper Regularisation and Payment for Locum Doctors
Many doctors work under locum (temporary) contracts with little job security and inconsistent pay. NARD is demanding regular employment terms and timely remuneration for these doctors. -
Urgent Welfare Reforms at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC)
NARD drew particular attention to the dire situation at OAUTHC, where resident doctors have not been paid for March 2024, and many are owed between 7 to 14 months of salary arrears. -
Long-Term Engagement with the Federal Ministry of Health to Combat Brain Drain
With thousands of Nigerian doctors leaving the country for better opportunities abroad, NARD is urging the Ministry of Health to develop sustainable employment and retention strategies. -
Better Welfare Packages for Doctors in State Hospitals and Teaching Institutions
State-owned health institutions often lag behind federal hospitals in terms of salaries and working conditions. NARD insists that this inequality must be addressed if Nigeria is to improve health service delivery nationwide.
Years of Neglect: NARD Calls Out Systemic Failures
In a bold section of the communique, NARD expressed “deep concern over 16 years of systematic underpayment of doctors in breach of the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement.” According to the association, this breach has contributed to a chronic shortage of qualified doctors and a collapse in morale across government hospitals.
Another critical issue raised was the exclusion of resident doctors from specialist allowances, a move the association described as unjustifiable. This policy gap, NARD argues, not only undervalues the work of resident doctors but also reinforces a two-tiered system within public hospitals.
“The OGM strongly condemns the continued casualisation and poor remuneration of doctors by chief executives of tertiary hospitals,” the communique read.
This statement points to a larger pattern of exploitation within the healthcare system, where some hospital administrators employ doctors on a casual basis to save costs, often without job security or adequate compensation.
The OAUTHC Crisis: A Case Study in Healthcare Neglect
Perhaps the most glaring example of government failure mentioned in the communique is the situation at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC). According to NARD, resident doctors and medical officers there have not received salaries for March 2024, with many still owed salary arrears stretching between 7 and 14 months.
This kind of neglect, the association warned, is unsustainable and poses a serious risk to patient care and the training of future medical specialists.
Acknowledging Progress—But Demanding More
Despite the strong tone of the communique, NARD acknowledged that some progress has been made recently. The association noted ongoing efforts by the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, IPPIS, the Accountant-General’s Office, and the National Postgraduate Medical College.
These agencies have reportedly made efforts to address the backlog of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for the years 2022 to 2024, and the 2025 disbursement is already being processed.
While this progress was appreciated, NARD emphasized that more decisive and consistent action is needed. Piecemeal interventions and bureaucratic delays, the association said, only serve to frustrate doctors and compromise healthcare delivery.
What Happens Next?
The four-week ultimatum issued by NARD puts the federal government on notice. While the association did not specify what action would follow non-compliance, previous ultimatums have led to nationwide strikes that crippled public hospitals.
If the government fails to meet the doctors' demands within the specified timeline, Nigerians may once again face disruptions in healthcare services, including delays in surgeries, outpatient care, and emergency services.
The ball is now in the court of the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the health of millions hangs in the balance.
Final Thoughts: Why This Matters
This is more than just a labor dispute. NARD’s demands, if met, could restore confidence in the public health sector, improve the quality of medical training, and reduce the emigration of Nigeria’s best medical minds.
For ordinary Nigerians who rely on public hospitals, the resolution of this crisis could mean shorter wait times, better diagnosis, improved emergency care, and ultimately, a stronger, more responsive healthcare system.
As NARD continues to push for reform, the question remains: Will the government finally act, or will it once again ignore the cries of those who save lives daily?
