OAUTHC resident doctors threaten strike over unpaid salary arrears
Resident doctors under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, OAUTHC, chapter have declared readiness to join a nationwide strike.
DAILY POST gathered that the strike was called by the NARD national leadership over demands for improved conditions of service.
The resident doctors made this known in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Jesunbo Martins, and Secretary, Dr Toyyeb Oladipo, obtained in Osogbo on Wednesday.
According to the statement, “the decision was reached at an emergency general meeting of the association to participate in the national strike scheduled to commence at midnight on Monday, January 12.”
The doctors drew attention to the situation of 83 resident doctors at the complex, noting that 40 of them are owed salary arrears ranging from 10 to 14 months.
They added that another 40 members are still owed their March 2024 salary, describing the situation as prolonged and unresolved.
“This prolonged non-payment has subjected affected members to severe financial, psychological, and professional hardship,” the association stated.
The OAUTHC chapter called on the Federal Government and relevant authorities to urgently remit all outstanding salary arrears and ensure full payment of all accrued entitlements.
It said the strike would only be suspended if issues raised at both local and national levels were addressed, including the reinstatement of five resident doctors disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
Other demands listed include “the full implementation of the Professional Allowance Table, with arrears captured in the 2026 budget, and clarification on skipping and entry-level placement by the Federal Ministry of Health and institutional chief executives.”
The doctors also demanded “the re-introduction and full implementation of the Specialist Allowance, as well as the resolution of House Officers’ salary delays and arrears through the issuance of a formal pay advisory.”
Other demands include “5he re-categorisation of membership certificates and the issuance of certificates after Part I examinations by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.”
The association also called for “the commencement of locum engagement and work-hours regulation committees, alongside the resumption and timely conclusion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement process.£
In line with the directive of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, the statement said, “Resident doctors will withdraw their services with effect from midnight, Monday, January 12, 2026, in compliance with TICS 2.0.”
While noting that although the association remained open to dialogue, such engagement must include clear timelines and concrete actions.
“Members will also participate in coordinated peaceful protests as directed,” it added.
