The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has accused the Federal Government of owing doctors and other health workers across the country over ₦38 billion in unpaid allowances, warning of an indefinite nationwide strike beginning Saturday, November 1, 2025.
NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, disclosed this in Abuja on Monday while presenting resolutions from the association’s Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier issued to the government.
He said the unpaid benefits, which date back as far as 10 years, affect not only resident doctors but also other categories of health professionals and administrative staff.
“There are allowances of over two years, 18 months, seven months, four months, and even an allowance error over 10 years old. Doctors’ basic salaries have not been reviewed in 16 years. The government owes about ₦35–₦38 billion to all health workers, out of which resident doctors alone are owed roughly ₦400 million,” Suleiman stated.
According to him, the stagnation in remuneration and worsening working conditions have continued to push doctors to the brink, with many migrating abroad in search of better opportunities.
He said NARD had made 19 key demands, which represent the minimum conditions required to avert the indefinite strike.
Among the demands are:
- Immediate payment of outstanding 25–35% CONMESS arrears and 2024 accoutrement allowances.
- Reinstatement of five resident doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
- Establishment of a working-hours policy to protect physicians’ wellbeing and patient safety.
- Implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy for exiting doctors to curb burnout.
- Urgent upgrade of infrastructure and medical equipment in hospitals nationwide.
- Commencement of specialist allowance payments for doctors.
The association also demanded that medical and dental house officers be included in the civil service structure with full benefits and prompt salary payments.
Suleiman further urged the Federal Government to end the casualisation of doctors and ensure uniform implementation of the CONMESS salary structure across federal, state, and private health institutions.
He warned that the NEC had resolved to begin a total and indefinite withdrawal of services from all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide starting midnight, November 1, 2025, until the government meets their demands.
Appealing directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Suleiman said:
“Mr. President, they have been paying themselves their salaries and allowances. It is us in the field who are not being paid. You are the father of the nation; please step in and resolve this lingering crisis.”
The association insists the strike is a last resort after years of unfulfilled promises and neglect by successive administrations.
