The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced a nationwide, indefinite strike in protest over long-standing salary and allowance arrears, forcing the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to announce that over ₦33.3 billion has been approved for immediate payment to health-care workers.
The industrial action began at midnight on Saturday after the doctors declared that previous assurances from the government had not been honoured.
The doctors cited unpaid allowances, delayed salary reviews, overwork and manpower shortages as key concerns.
In response, the Ministry said that ₦21.3 billion has already been transferred to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) for disbursement.
An additional ₦11.995 billion is in the final stages of processing and should be released within 72 hours to cover outstanding accoutrement allowances and other arrears.
What triggered the strike
NARD says the federal government owes approximately ₦38 billion in salary arrears and allowances across hundreds of hospitals.
The association—the backbone of Nigeria’s public hospital workforce—warned that unless its demands are met, service delivery at major tertiary and teaching hospitals would collapse.
Government’s counter-move
Facing mounting pressure, the government has committed to not only paying arrears but also recruiting thousands of health workers to ease the severe manpower gaps that have heightened workload and burnout.
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The Ministry reiterated that uninterrupted healthcare delivery is a national priority and pledged ongoing dialogue with unions.
Implications for health services
With resident doctors withdrawing services indefinitely, urgent care and specialist units in federal hospitals are likely to face disruptions.
The strike highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s public health system where resident doctors perform much of the emergency and specialist work.
Should the strike persist, hospitals may divert patients or ration services, risking further strain on vulnerable populations.
