The Federal Government has begun disbursing outstanding salary arrears owed to members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), following a review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
NARD’s Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim, confirmed the development in a circular to members, noting that the arrears — which span between one and six months depending on the individual — are now being credited to accounts. Several doctors have already acknowledged receipt of their payments.
“The leadership of NARD is pleased to inform all members that payment of the outstanding 25/35 CONMESS review arrears has commenced,” Ibrahim stated.
He assured members yet to receive their funds that the process would be concluded in due course, while asking for continued patience. However, he flagged minor administrative hitches affecting the August component of the arrears, which could push those specific payments back by one to two weeks.
The CONMESS framework governs salary scales for medical and dental officers in Nigeria’s public sector, and disputes over its implementation have historically been a flashpoint between doctors and the government. Previous delays in settling arrears have triggered strike actions by NARD, throwing federal and state hospitals into disarray.
Resident doctors, who shoulder much of the workload in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals, have long raised alarms over poor welfare conditions — from unpaid wages to dangerous working environments — conditions that have accelerated the migration of medical professionals to better-paying countries. Industry figures suggest Nigeria has hemorrhaged thousands of doctors to emigration in recent years, deepening an already critical shortage and further burdening a stretched health system.
The commencement of these payments is being seen as a step toward easing tensions and preventing fresh industrial action. Members with unresolved payment issues after the disbursement window are advised to escalate concerns through their respective centre leadership.
“We sincerely appreciate your patience, resilience, and continued trust. Be assured that we remain steadfast and committed to the welfare and well-being of all NARD members,” Ibrahim added.
