The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning at midnight on Saturday, November 1, 2025, over what it described as the Federal Government’s persistent failure to address its long-standing welfare and remuneration issues
Announcing the decision after the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman, said the industrial action followed years of unfulfilled promises and stalled negotiations with the government.
“After exhaustive deliberations and in light of the federal government’s persistent failure to address the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to commence a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike,” Suleiman stated.
According to him, all resident doctors in federal and state tertiary health institutions are to withdraw their services until both tiers of government show “genuine commitment” to meeting their obligations.
Suleiman emphasized that this would be NARD’s first total strike in three years, noting that the association had exhausted all dialogue mechanisms before taking this “decisive step.”
“We are not asking for new things,” he said. “These are agreed entitlements—our salaries, allowances, and other legitimate dues. The government has continued to delay payment while ensuring their own earnings remain unaffected.”
The NARD President appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene urgently, warning that continued government inaction could lead to a total collapse of healthcare services nationwide.
“Mr. President, we appeal for your direct intervention. We hope your administration will act swiftly to prevent further disruption to medical services across the country,” he said.
The association’s demands include payment of salary arrears, review of hazard allowances, improved working conditions, and implementation of agreements previously reached with the government.
The strike action, if sustained, is expected to significantly affect operations in public hospitals, further testing Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system
