Friday, September 12, 2025 - The
Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has commenced a five-day warning
strike today, following the expiration of its fresh ultimatum to the Federal
Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare
issues.
The association announced the industrial action after what
it described as government inaction on long-standing demands.
Resident doctors form the backbone of Nigeria’s public
health system, providing a large share of clinical services in federal and
state hospitals. Any strike action by the association often paralyses
healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.
In a message titled “Declaration of strike action” and
signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, on Friday, the
association confirmed the commencement of the strike.
“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. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due
course,” he said.
Among the grievances are the non-disbursement of the 2025
Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the
revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and
hazard allowances.
NARD said the decision followed a six-hour virtual
Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, after the expiration of its
ultimatum to the government — a 21-day deadline issued in July 2025, later
extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10.
The doctors then gave the government a final 24 hours, which
expired on Thursday, September 11.
The E-NEC expressed disappointment that, despite these repeated extensions, the Federal Government had still failed to address critical welfare issues, leaving the association with no choice but to proceed with industrial action.
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