The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a five-day nationwide warning strike, raising concerns about disruptions in the health sector.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 11, the association said the action was necessary following the government’s failure to meet longstanding demands.
According to the resolution, the strike will commence at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, and will run until Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
“All centres are hereby directed to duly inform their hospital managements and continue to press home our collective demands,” the statement read.
Why the Strike?
According to NARD, the decision was driven by unresolved issues, including:
* Delayed payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
* Exclusion of resident doctors from hazard allowance reviews and other benefits.
* Poor working conditions in hospitals, with many doctors working without adequate manpower and facilities.
The association said several appeals and negotiations with the government had not yielded results, leaving strike action as the only option to draw attention to their plight.
Impact on Healthcare
The strike, scheduled to last five days, is expected to affect services across government hospitals. Patients in need of consultations, elective surgeries, and routine care may experience delays, though emergency departments are likely to remain open.
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Health experts warn that even a short strike could disrupt treatment for thousands of Nigerians who rely on public hospitals for care.
Government’s Response
As of press time, government officials had not issued a formal response to the strike declaration. Past industrial actions by resident doctors have often led to negotiations, but the recurring disputes highlight unresolved challenges in Nigeria’s health system.
Before Now…
Resident doctors make up the majority of medical staff in teaching hospitals and federal medical centers across the country. They have embarked on several strikes in recent years, usually over welfare and working conditions.
This latest action comes as Nigeria continues to grapple with widespread medical brain drain, with many doctors leaving the country in search of better pay and working conditions abroad.
