NARD members begin receiving long-delayed salary arrears
Payment of long-awaited arrears arising from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review has commenced for members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, offering relief after months of agitation over unpaid entitlements.
The association’s Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, confirmed the development in a letter to members, noting that arrears covering between one and six months for some doctors are already being disbursed.
“The leadership of NARD… is pleased to inform all members that payment of the outstanding 25/35 CONMESS review arrears… has commenced,” the statement said.
Several resident doctors across the country also confirmed receipt of payments, suggesting that the process is underway in phases.
Ibrahim reassured members who are yet to be credited that the exercise will be completed in due course, urging patience as disbursements continue.
However, he disclosed that the August component of the arrears is encountering minor administrative challenges that could delay payments by up to two weeks.
“Payments for August are currently facing a few challenges that are being addressed… the August arrears may be delayed by about a week or two,” he added.
The CONMESS review, which adjusts salary scales for medical and dental officers in Nigeria’s public sector, has long been a source of friction between doctors and the government. Delays in implementing salary adjustments and settling arrears have, in previous instances, triggered industrial action by NARD, disrupting services across federal and state hospitals.
Resident doctors — widely regarded as the backbone of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system — have repeatedly raised concerns over welfare issues, including unpaid salaries, hazardous working conditions and the persistent exodus of skilled professionals in search of better remuneration abroad.
Industry estimates indicate that Nigeria has lost thousands of doctors to migration in recent years, worsening doctor-to-patient ratios and placing further strain on an already fragile health system.
The latest payments signal tentative progress in efforts to address welfare concerns and avert fresh labour unrest in the health sector.
Ibrahim advised members with unresolved payment issues after the disbursement period to channel complaints through their respective centre leadership for prompt resolution.
“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,” he said.