BREAKING: Nigerian Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike, Hospitals Shut Down
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite strike, directing its members to withdraw services and shut down public hospitals across the country effective 8:00 a.m. Friday.
The action follows the expiration of the association’s final ultimatum to the Federal Government after months of extensions.
In a notice titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the group said:
“All centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course.”
Grievances
The doctors’ demands include:
Payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
Settlement of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
Outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
According to NARD, the decision to strike was reached after a six-hour virtual National Executive Council meeting, following what it described as government inaction despite repeated warnings.
The union said it had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum in July, extended it by 10 days, and granted a final 24-hour grace period that expired on Thursday.
Impact
Resident doctors make up the majority of Nigeria’s medical workforce in public hospitals, and their withdrawal of services is expected to severely disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide. Many federal and state hospitals are now at risk of being paralysed, leaving patients stranded and with limited access to medical care.
