The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has scheduled an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting for Saturday, October 25, 2025, to assess the Federal Government’s response to its 30-day ultimatum over unresolved welfare and policy issues affecting its members.
According to a notice sent to its members, the meeting — which will hold virtually — will focus on evaluating the level of government compliance with the association’s demands and deciding the next steps, including the possibility of another round of industrial action.
The association had on September 26, 2025, issued a 30-day deadline to the government to address long-standing issues related to doctors’ welfare, working conditions, and unpaid entitlements. NARD said its members across the country continue to face harsh working conditions, including excessive work hours, poor remuneration, and inadequate facilities in most public hospitals.
In the notice signed by NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, members were urged to participate actively in the discussions, which he described as “crucial to determining the collective stance of the association going forward.”
NARD has accused the Federal Government of failing to meet several key obligations, including the payment of outstanding arrears, implementation of agreed salary adjustments, and reversal of what it termed unjust dismissals of resident doctors in some federal institutions. It also raised concerns about the continued neglect of policies meant to address the worsening shortage of medical professionals, which has contributed to burnout and the mass migration of doctors abroad.
The association further faulted the government for delays in promotions, persistent salary shortfalls, and the exclusion of resident doctors and house officers from certain allowances and schemes available to other categories of healthcare workers.
NARD noted that the prolonged failure to review the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which has remained unchanged for over 16 years, and the slow pace of implementing agreements reached with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have deepened frustration within the medical community.
The doctors also expressed concern about deteriorating infrastructure and obsolete equipment in many hospitals, warning that such conditions continue to compromise both patient care and residency training across Nigeria.
The outcome of Saturday’s meeting is expected to determine whether the resident doctors will embark on a fresh strike or allow more time for dialogue with the government.
NARD maintains that its demands are not only about improving welfare for doctors but also about ensuring a stronger, better-funded health system capable of meeting the needs of Nigerians.
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