The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to immediately conclude a long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as their nationwide strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

The union is also demanding a comprehensive review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing it as outdated and insufficient to meet modern doctors’ needs.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), NARD said:
“Doctors deserve fair treatment and timely remuneration. The government’s delays in finalizing the CBA and reviewing salaries have left doctors struggling with rising living costs and declining morale.”

Strike Disrupts Healthcare Delivery Nationwide

The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals across Nigeria, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres. Medical services have been severely disrupted, impacting patient care nationwide.

NARD’s 19-point demand list includes:

• Payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure
• Disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
• Timely payment of specialist allowances
• Recognition of postgraduate qualifications
• Improved working conditions for doctors

The union says these measures are essential to sustain doctors and maintain a functional healthcare system.

Government Response and Ongoing Concerns

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Health to resolve the strike immediately, noting that the government is taking steps to address doctors’ demands. Despite this, NARD insists delays in finalizing the CBA and reviewing salaries continue to demoralize doctors, many of whom are struggling with rising costs while providing critical medical services.

The post Nigerian Doctors Strike Enters 15th Day, NARD Pushes for Salary Review appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The association has maintained that unless the Federal Government urgently addresses its concerns, medical services nationwide will be suspended.

“The ultimatum ends on July 23. If our demands are not met by then, we may have no choice but to commence a nationwide strike,” the president of the association stated, expressing deep frustration over what he described as the government’s slow response to critical issues affecting the healthcare sector.

At the heart of the dispute is a controversial circular released by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal service. The association strongly opposes the circular, claiming it undermines previous agreements and fails to reflect the realities of the profession.

“We rejected that circular outright. It contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and cannot be imposed unilaterally. Any directive affecting our members should emerge from proper consultation,” the president said.

He explained that the NMA has held engagements with relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance, in an effort to resolve the matter without resorting to industrial action.

“A recent meeting with top government officials gave us some hope, but further dialogue was postponed due to national mourning. Time is running out, and we are yet to reconvene. If nothing happens soon, a strike may be inevitable.”

The president further emphasized that the NMA’s demands are not only about allowances but also about the survival of the health system and the dignity of medical professionals who continue to work under increasingly difficult conditions.

“We are not just fighting for ourselves. We are fighting for a functional health system that retains skilled professionals and delivers quality care to Nigerians.”

Meanwhile, a state chapter of the association expressed its dissatisfaction in strong terms, reiterating its rejection of the circular and demanding that the government act swiftly to meet all outstanding demands.

With tensions rising, all eyes are now on the government to act before the looming deadline, or risk widespread disruption in the country’s already strained healthcare services.

The post Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike as Government Ultimatum Nears Deadline appeared first on Housing TV Africa.