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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Health & Science

Nigerian doctors issue four-week strike ultimatum over unpaid allowances

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Nigerian resident doctors have issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government, warning of a nationwide strike if their demands are not met.
  • Key issues include unpaid salaries, allowances, and the delayed release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
  • The doctors also raised concerns about victimisation and the reintroduction of bench fees at some teaching hospitals.

Nigerian resident doctors have declared an industrial dispute with the Federal Government, issuing a fresh four-week ultimatum to resolve long-standing demands. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) warned of potential nationwide industrial action if the issues remain unaddressed.

The resolution was reached at the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, following the expiration of an earlier 21-day ultimatum. In a communiqué, NARD stated it could no longer guarantee industrial harmony beyond the new deadline. The association directed its National Officers’ Committee to begin preparations for industrial action should the government fail to meet its demands within the stipulated period.

The association cannot guarantee industrial harmony beyond the four-week window if all its demands are not fully addressed.

— NARD CommuniquéStating the consequence of the government failing to meet their demands within the new deadline.

NARD accused the government and some health institutions of failing to fulfil commitments on doctors’ welfare. Key concerns include the delayed release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, persistent delays in paying house officers’ salaries and other entitlements, and the non-payment of the 25/35 per cent CONMESS salary review arrears and 19 months of outstanding Professional Allowance arrears.

The resident doctors also raised concerns over alleged victimisation of members at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife. They condemned attempts by the management of the teaching hospital to reintroduce bench fees for resident doctors in private tertiary health institutions, despite an existing government circular abolishing the practice. NARD also criticised the management of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital for its continued refusal to provide call meals for resident doctors on duty, warning that any hospital management failing to provide this entitlement would be held responsible for any industrial unrest.

NARD can no longer tolerate the hardship being imposed on doctors through persistent delays in salaries and welfare payments.

— NARD CommuniquéExpressing the association's frustration with the ongoing financial and welfare issues.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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