The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to pay the outstanding Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF) for 2023 and 2024. The appeal was made by the association’s President, Dr. Osundara Tope-Zenith, during a news conference in Abuja on Saturday at the conclusion of the 2025 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Scientific Conference.
Tope-Zenith expressed concern over the delay in payments, particularly the arrears of the upwardly revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), which he described as a violation of the 2009 collective bargaining agreement. However, he commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for initiating a stakeholders’ meeting to address the MRTF issue.
“The NEC observed with dismay the persistent short-changing of our members over the past five years, as there have been no consequential adjustments to the CONMESS basic salary and allowances,” he said. He also acknowledged the efforts of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) who have ensured the full payment of Accoutrement Allowance arrears.
The NEC raised concerns about the ongoing shortage of medical personnel in hospitals and the continued exodus of specialized doctors from privately-owned teaching hospitals due to poor remuneration. The association praised the Chief Medical Director of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Prof. John Okeniyi, for his efforts to maintain industrial peace. Additionally, it lauded the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for facilitating the payment of outstanding salaries and allowances and recruiting doctors within the FCT.
Tope-Zenith urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to expedite the disbursement of the 2025 MRTF while settling the outstanding funds from previous years. He also called for the payment of the 2022 MRTF arrears in line with resolutions from the recent stakeholders’ meeting.
The association further demanded the full implementation of the consequential salary adjustments for the 2019 and 2024 minimum wages, alongside other allowances. NEC mandated its National Officers Committee to continue engaging with the Federal Government on all outstanding payments and warned that if no significant action was taken within six weeks, an emergency meeting would be convened to determine the next course of action.
The NEC also called on state governors to prioritize the welfare of doctors in state-owned hospitals and training institutions to reduce brain drain and ensure industrial harmony. It urged CMDs and CEOs of privately-owned teaching hospitals to improve remuneration for resident doctors to prevent further migration of medical professionals.
The conference, themed “Empowering Doctors with Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills: A Panacea for Universal Health Coverage and a Brighter Healthcare System,” highlighted the need for resilience and systemic improvements in Nigeria’s healthcare sector. The sub-theme focused on “Building Resilience and Strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare System for Effective Disaster and Disease Management.”
With the challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, NARD remains resolute in its push for better working conditions and sustained government action to prevent further deterioration in the sector.