Resident Doctors in Kaduna Declare Indefinite Strike over Failure to Implement CONMESS

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August 31, 2025
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Resident doctors in Kaduna State have declared an indefinite strike commencing at midnight on Sunday, September 1, 2025, attributing this action to the government’s failure to implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and other welfare agreements.

The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kaduna State chapter, in a communiqué released following an emergency virtual congress monitored by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reaffirmed its dedication to dialogue and equitable negotiations, emphasizing that timely fulfillment of critical agreements is essential to avert industrial action.

Dr. Richard Daniel, President of ARD, praised the patience of the members, noting that they continued to work beyond the initial deadline to allow the government additional time to implement the 2024 CONMESS and address other longstanding welfare demands.

“Our members demonstrated understanding by remaining on duty while anticipating the implementation of agreements signed in good faith.

“We hoped all concerns would be resolved by the end of August,” Daniel remarked.

Nevertheless, he noted that no modifications reflecting the agreement were evident in the August 2025 salary, despite the expiry of the government’s two-month implementation timeline agreed upon in June.

“As a result, the association resolved to commence the indefinite strike, not as a primary option, but as a necessary response to recurrent delays in addressing doctors’ legitimate demands and welfare concerns,” he added.

In a related development, the ARD at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital declared its intention to also initiate an indefinite strike from midnight, August 31, aligning with the broader action by the state chapter.

Dr. Josiah Yakubu, representing the Barau Dikko chapter, stated that formal reminder letters were dispatched on June 19, August 1, and August 25, urging compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June.

“We remain hopeful the government will demonstrate goodwill by fulfilling its promises.

“Our objective remains quality healthcare, which hinges on fair treatment and proper support for medical professionals,” Yakubu stated.

Both associations urged the Kaduna State Government to act swiftly to prevent the disruption of healthcare delivery.

They also reaffirmed their readiness to suspend the strike once agreements are fully honored and welfare concerns addressed.

What you should know

Nigeria has experienced multiple strikes across its health sector this year, driven by inadequate remuneration, unpaid allowances, and substandard working conditions.

The Kaduna resident doctors’ strike underscores how state-level disputes reflect broader national challenges concerning health sector financing, doctor retention, and the implementation of CONMESS.

The strike poses a threat to paralyze healthcare delivery in Kaduna State, potentially leaving patients stranded in public hospitals.

It also reflects growing unrest in Nigeria’s healthcare system, where unresolved welfare issues have fueled both frequent strikes and the mass migration of doctors abroad, commonly referred to as “Japa.”