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NARD accuses Federal Government of failing to honour welfare promises
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Doctors demand settlement of unpaid arrears, allowances, and training funds
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Association warns of nationwide strike if demands are unmet by September 10
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has given the Federal Government a 10-day deadline to meet its long-standing welfare demands or face the disruption of a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum, announced on Monday, followed the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Sunday.
In a communiqué signed by its national officers, NARD said the Federal Government had failed to redeem promises made earlier this year despite repeated engagements.
The association recalled extending a previous three-week ultimatum to allow further dialogue, but lamented that nothing tangible was achieved.
READ ALSO: Resident Doctors Issue FG 2-Week Ultimatum
The doctors expressed dismay over the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to many of their members, as well as the outstanding five months’ arrears linked to the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review. They also cited non-payment of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance, salary arrears, and welfare concerns in some states.
The communiqué strongly criticised the unjust downgrading of postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the non-issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The association further condemned the Kaduna and Oyo state governments for failing to resolve welfare issues affecting doctors in their hospitals.
READ ALSO: Imo Governor Approves N104,000 Minimum Wage for Civil Servants, N503,000 for Doctors
However, NARD commended states that had already paid the 2025 training fund, describing their actions as a mark of commitment to health workers’ welfare. Still, the association insisted that all outstanding allowances, arrears, and entitlements must be settled immediately.
“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action,” the communiqué warned.
