The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday embarked on a five-day warning strike after the Federal Government failed to meet its long-standing demands on welfare and unpaid entitlements.
The action follows the expiration of a fresh ultimatum issued to the government, which lapsed on Thursday.
Resident doctors provide the bulk of clinical services in public hospitals across the country, and any industrial action by the group often disrupts healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and medical facilities under pressure.
In a circular titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the association confirmed that the strike commenced at 8:00 a.m. on Friday.
“Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday).
All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly,” Odunbaku said, noting that further updates will be provided to members in due course.
Key grievances include:
Non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund,
Non-payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and Outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
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The decision to strike was reached after a six-hour virtual extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued in July 2025.
The deadline was extended by 10 days and eventually followed by a final 24-hour notice, all of which elapsed without government intervention.
NARD expressed frustration that despite repeated extensions, the Federal Government had failed to resolve the issues, leaving the doctors with “no choice” but to withdraw their services temporarily.
The warning strike is expected to last five days, though the association has not ruled out further action if demands remain unmet.