n Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the commencement of payments for long-awaited salary arrears linked to the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

The update was shared in a notice issued by the association’s Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, who confirmed that the disbursement process is already in progress.

According to the statement, the payments cover outstanding arrears spanning one to six months, with a number of doctors already confirming receipt of their funds.

“The leadership of NARD is pleased to inform all members that payment of the outstanding 25/35 CONMESS review arrears has commenced,” the statement read.

While reassuring members yet to be paid, Ibrahim noted that the process is ongoing and will be completed in phases. However, he disclosed that payments for the August component are facing minor administrative delays, which could extend timelines by one to two weeks.

The CONMESS review, which determines salary adjustments for medical and dental officers in Nigeria’s public health sector, has long been a source of contention between doctors and the government. Delays in its implementation previously triggered industrial actions by NARD, disrupting healthcare services across public hospitals.

Resident doctors—who play a vital role in Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system—have consistently raised concerns over welfare issues such as delayed salaries, heavy workloads, and the increasing migration of medical professionals abroad.

The ongoing payment of arrears is widely seen as a positive step toward addressing these concerns and preventing further labour disputes in the sector.

Ibrahim also urged members experiencing payment issues after the disbursement period to report through their respective centre leadership for prompt resolution, assuring them of the association’s continued commitment to their welfare.

Resident Doctors Begin Receiving Long-Overdue CONMESS Arrears

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