The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the federal government to meet a set of long-standing demands affecting its members or risk a reassessment of the situation that could lead to industrial action.

This resolution followed the Association’s May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) and Scientific Conference, held from May 26 to 31, 2025, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The theme of the conference, “The Medical Profession: Policies, Politics, and Future Prospects,” underscored the complex environment in which doctors operate.

The conference drew speakers and panellists that examined the interplay between ethics, law, and healthcare delivery, with participation from government officials, medical experts, and policymakers.

In the communique, NARD acknowledged some progress made by the Federal Government and relevant agencies, particularly in the ongoing disbursement of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) for 2025 and the clearance of MRTF arrears from 2022 to 2024.

However, the Association expressed deep disappointment over a range of outstanding issues, particularly the non-payment of arrears resulting from the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and the failure to implement long-promised consequential salary adjustments dating back to 2009.