The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Nigerian government to urgently pay the outstanding Medical Residency Training Funds (MRTF) for 2023 and 2024, along with other unpaid salary arrears.
NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope-Zenith, made this appeal during a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, following the association’s 2025 January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
Themed “Empowering Doctors with Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills: A Panacea for Universal Health Coverage and a Brighter Healthcare System,” the meeting highlighted critical issues affecting the welfare of resident doctors and Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Dr. Tope-Zenith commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for convening a stakeholders’ meeting to address the MRTF issue but expressed displeasure over the non-payment of arrears for the recently revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

He also raised concerns about the persistent shortage of healthcare professionals, stating that many specialists are leaving privately owned teaching hospitals due to poor remuneration.
Despite the challenges, the NEC appreciated Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) who had fully paid Accoutrement Allowance arrears.
The council also acknowledged the efforts of Prof. John Okeniyi, CMD of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC), for maintaining industrial peace.
Additionally, they commended FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for ensuring the payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances, the disbursement of MRTF, the employment of more doctors in FCT hospitals, and the resolutions and government’s responsibility
The NEC resolved that the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria should fast-track the payment of 2025 MRTF while ensuring that 2023 and 2024 arrears are fully settled and that the Nigerian government should immediately pay arrears from the recent CONMESS adjustment and other salary backlogs.
They added that the full consequential adjustments for the 2019 and 2024 minimum wage should be implemented, along with accrued arrears.
“The National Officers Committee will continue to engage with the government. If no significant response is received within six weeks, an emergency NEC meeting will be called to reassess the situation.”
NARD further urged state governors to prioritise doctors’ welfare in state-owned hospitals to enhance retention and private teaching hospital CEOs to improve welfare packages to prevent doctors from leaving for better opportunities abroad.
With the health sector struggling due to staff shortages and delayed payments, NARD urged the government to take swift action to address doctors’ concerns, warning that a lack of response could lead to further industrial unrest.