BREAKING: Resident doctors embark on a five-day warning strike starting today
BREAKING: Resident doctors embark on a five-day warning strike starting today
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a five-day warning strike today after the expiration of its latest ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and lingering welfare concerns.
The association said the industrial action became necessary due to what it described as the government’s failure to address long-standing demands.
Resident doctors play a crucial role in Nigeria’s public health sector, handling the bulk of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Their withdrawal of services often cripples healthcare delivery, leaving patients unattended and hospitals overwhelmed.
In a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, on Friday, the association officially confirmed the commencement of the strike.
“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,” he said.
Among the grievances are the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
NARD stated that its decision came after a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held following the expiration of its ultimatum to the Federal Government — a 21-day notice issued in July 2025, later extended by 10 days and eventually lapsing on September 10.
The doctors subsequently granted the government a final 24-hour grace period, which expired on Thursday, September 11.
According to the E-NEC, it was disappointing that despite these repeated extensions, the Federal Government still failed to resolve critical welfare concerns, leaving the association with no option but to embark on strike action.
