Nigerian Resident Doctors Issue Fresh 24-Hour Ultimatum to Federal Government Over Outstanding Demands
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a fresh 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on a series of unresolved issues affecting the welfare and working conditions of its members. This latest move comes after the expiration of a previous 10-day deadline given by the association on September 10.
The decision was reached following a six-hour virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Wednesday, during which members deliberated on the federal government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.
According to a statement released by NARD, the council resolved to give the government one final window of opportunity to fulfill its promises before considering further industrial actions that could impact healthcare delivery nationwide.
Key Demands of the Resident Doctors
The association’s demands center around critical issues such as:
- Immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
- Settlement of outstanding salaries and hazard allowances
- Upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS)
- Implementation of new minimum wage adjustments
- Provision of adequate infrastructure and equipment in public hospitals
NARD maintains that these issues are essential to both the welfare of its members and the overall improvement of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Growing Frustration Among Health Workers
The fresh ultimatum reflects growing frustration within the country’s healthcare workforce. Many resident doctors have complained about poor working conditions, erratic salary payments, and a lack of government commitment to reforms promised in earlier negotiations.
“We cannot continue to operate under such demoralizing circumstances,” a senior member of NARD stated anonymously. “The government has had ample time to address these concerns, yet we are still being met with silence or delays.”
Possible Strike Looms
If the government fails to meet NARD’s demands within the newly issued 24-hour window, the association is likely to proceed with a nationwide industrial action — a move that could paralyze services in federal and state-owned hospitals across the country.
NARD has a history of mobilizing swiftly and effectively, with previous strikes significantly disrupting healthcare services. A similar action in 2021 lasted nearly two months and exposed critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
Federal Government Yet to Respond
As of Thursday morning, there has been no official response from the Federal Ministry of Health or other relevant agencies regarding the renewed ultimatum. However, government sources indicate that internal meetings are underway to avert a possible strike.
Observers say swift action will be crucial in de-escalating tensions, especially amid ongoing concerns over healthcare access and the lingering effects of a weakened health system.
Public Reaction and Expectations
The Nigerian public has expressed concern over the potential fallout of another doctors’ strike. Patients and healthcare advocates are urging the government to act quickly, warning that failure to do so could have serious consequences for healthcare delivery, particularly in public hospitals where resident doctors provide the bulk of medical services.
Social media platforms have also been abuzz with reactions, with many Nigerians calling on authorities to treat the issue with the urgency it deserves.
A Call for Long-Term Reforms
Beyond meeting immediate demands, experts argue that the federal government needs to engage in long-term structural reforms to address the systemic issues plaguing the health sector. These include workforce planning, better funding for hospitals, and improved training and retention strategies for medical personnel.
Nigeria continues to lose trained doctors to countries offering better pay and working conditions — a trend that could worsen if the current grievances are not adequately addressed.
Conclusion
With the clock ticking, the Federal Government faces a critical test in its engagement with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors. Whether this 24-hour ultimatum results in meaningful progress or another round of industrial action will depend on the government’s willingness to respond swiftly and decisively.
For now, all eyes remain on Abuja, as the nation watches to see how the health sector’s latest challenge will unfold.
