The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has started a five-day warning strike today after the Federal Government failed to meet its demands on unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and other unresolved welfare issues.
The association said the action became necessary following the expiration of its latest ultimatum.
The association blame the Federal Government’s failure to address its long-standing demands. It said the action became inevitable after repeated calls for intervention went unanswered.
Resident doctors play a critical role in Nigeria’s healthcare system, handling much of the clinical workload in federal and state hospitals. As reported by The Punch, their withdrawal of services often disrupts medical care nationwide, leaving patients unattended and putting hospitals under severe pressure.
In a message titled “Declaration of strike action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, on Friday, the association 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 said the decision followed a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, after the expiration of its ultimatum to the government — a 21-day deadline issued in July 2025, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10.
The doctors granted the government a final 24-hour grace period, which ended on Thursday, September 11.
The E-NEC said it was disappointed that, even after several extensions, the Federal Government did not resolve the pressing welfare concerns, forcing the association to go ahead with the strike.
