The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has on Friday embarked on a five-day nationwide warning strike over unpaid allowances, salary arrears and unresolved welfare concerns.
The association said the industrial action followed the Federal Government’s failure to meet its demands despite several ultimatums and extensions.
Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of the country’s medical workforce in public hospitals, provide a significant share of clinical services in federal and state health institutions. Their withdrawal of service often paralyses healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.
In a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku, NARD confirmed the commencement of the strike at 8am on Friday.
“All centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” the statement read.
The grievances listed by the doctors include the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, non-payment of five months’ arrears arising from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
NARD explained that the decision to embark on the strike was taken after a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, following the expiration of its latest ultimatum to the government.
The doctors recalled that they had earlier issued a 21-day deadline in July 2025, which was later extended by 10 days and expired on September 10. A final 24-hour grace period also lapsed on Thursday, September 11, without any action from the government.
The association expressed disappointment that the government ignored its repeated demands, forcing it to embark on industrial action.
