The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting Friday, September 12, 2025.
The directive, signed by NARD Secretary-General Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, instructs members to shut down public hospitals across the country.
Why Resident Doctors Are on Strike
The doctors outlined several grievances, including:
- Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
- Five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
- Unpaid specialist and hazard allowances.
According to NARD, the strike followed a six-hour virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. The association said the Federal Government ignored repeated warnings, despite:
- A 21-day ultimatum issued in July.
- A 10-day extension.
- A final 24-hour grace period that expired on Thursday.
Impact on Healthcare Services
Resident doctors make up the majority of Nigeria’s public hospital workforce. Their withdrawal of services is expected to cripple federal and state hospitals nationwide.
Patients may face severe delays in emergency care, surgeries, and specialist treatments. The situation is especially concerning as public hospitals already struggle with high patient numbers and limited medical resources.
Next Steps
NARD confirmed that members will remain on strike until their demands are met. The group promised to keep doctors updated on new developments as negotiations with the government continue.
The strike raises urgent questions about the future of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the government’s ability to address long-standing issues in the sector.
