Resident Doctors Set for Nationwide Indefinite Strike November 1 Over Unmet Demands
NARD Declares Total Shutdown Across Hospitalsl
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike beginning November 1, 2025, following the federal government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.
The decision was made public in a statement issued on Saturday, after the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier given to the government to address issues affecting members’ welfare and working conditions.
According to NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, the strike will be “total, comprehensive, and indefinite,” affecting all federal and state-owned hospitals where resident doctors render services.
“We have exhausted all avenues of dialogue with relevant authorities. The government’s persistent disregard for our welfare and the health sector has left us with no choice but to down tools,” Suleiman stated.
Among the major grievances listed by the association are the non-payment of arrears arising from the upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), delayed promotions and upgrading for resident doctors after postgraduate examinations, and the exclusion of resident doctors from specialist allowances.
The doctors are also protesting excessive work hours, poor hospital infrastructure, and what they described as the government’s “lack of commitment” to the training and welfare of medical professionals.
Health observers have warned that the strike could cripple services across the country’s teaching hospitals and major federal medical centres, where resident doctors constitute the bulk of frontline healthcare workers.
The association has, however, directed its members to hand over patients and make necessary arrangements ahead of the strike to minimize disruption to emergency services.
