The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a five-day warning strike, beginning today, after the expiration of its latest ultimatum to the Federal Government regarding unpaid entitlements, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare matters.
The group declared the action following what it described as continued neglect by authorities to address long-standing issues affecting its members.
Resident doctors remain central to Nigeria’s public health sector, delivering the bulk of clinical services in both federal and state hospitals. Whenever they embark on strike, the impact is immediate, often crippling healthcare delivery, overwhelming available staff, and leaving patients stranded.
In a notice titled “Declaration of strike action” signed by NARD Secretary-General Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku on Friday, the association confirmed the walkout.
“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).
“All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” Odunbaku stated.
The grievances include the non-release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, the payment of five months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, as well as outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
NARD explained that its decision came after a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting. The strike followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum first issued in July 2025, later extended by 10 days, which ended on September 10.
The doctors then gave the government a final 24-hour grace period, which elapsed on Thursday, September 11, without any response.
The E-NEC expressed regret that, despite repeated extensions and dialogue, the Federal Government had not addressed the welfare concerns, leaving the union with no alternative but to activate industrial action.
What You Should Know
Resident doctors in Nigeria provide essential healthcare services across government hospitals, making their strikes particularly disruptive.
The current five-day warning strike stems from unpaid allowances, delayed salary arrears, and unmet welfare obligations.
With the government failing to act after multiple ultimatums, NARD says it was left with no option but to down tools, a move that could severely strain the nation’s healthcare delivery.
