Resident doctors across Nigeria have officially commenced a five-day warning strike, citing unpaid salaries, neglected welfare, and unmet long-standing demands as the driving forces behind the industrial action. The action is nationwide, affecting federal and some state-owned hospitals where these healthcare professionals are stationed.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) highlighted that accumulated salary arrears, unpaid allowances, and unresolved welfare issues have reached a critical point, leaving members with no choice but to embark on the strike. NARD emphasized that the strike is a last resort, following numerous engagements and warnings directed at the Federal Government.
In an official statement released on Friday morning, NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, confirmed that the industrial action officially commenced at 8:00 am. He instructed all chapter leaders to guide their members accordingly, stressing that this strike represents a unified decision of the association rather than individual actions by any chapter or member. Dr. Odunbaku underscored that the strike is purely a warning and that members remain committed to resuming duties once their demands are addressed satisfactorily.
“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 wrote in a memo circulated among the chapters nationwide. The association also reiterated that their decision was taken after careful deliberation and as a result of continued inaction by the government despite repeated assurances.
According to NARD, the Federal Government had been served a fresh ultimatum, which expired without any meaningful intervention or resolution. The silence and lack of commitment from the authorities have been interpreted by the association as disregard for the welfare of resident doctors, who play a crucial role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. NARD has repeatedly called for prompt attention to their welfare issues, highlighting that failure to act compromises both the well-being of doctors and the quality of healthcare delivery to patients nationwide.
The ongoing strike follows a series of warnings, ultimatums, and negotiations over recent weeks. NARD noted that the association had previously extended its deadline to give the government additional time to meet their demands, but the lack of response forced members to initiate the strike. The association has stressed that this is a warning action and hinted that, if ignored, it could escalate to a full-scale, indefinite shutdown of services across public health institutions in Nigeria.
With the strike now in effect, patients in several public hospitals are expected to experience delays in accessing medical care, including postponed consultations, treatment delays, and possible cancellation of appointments. The association appeals to the public for understanding, urging citizens to recognize that improved welfare for doctors ultimately translates into enhanced healthcare services for all Nigerians. NARD assured that it remains committed to negotiations and hopes that the government will act promptly to prevent further escalation of the strike.
Further updates on the strike and its impact on public health services are expected to be provided by the leadership of NARD in the coming days, including statements on negotiations, resolutions, or extensions of the industrial action. The association maintains that while the strike is disruptive, it is necessary to protect the welfare and professional rights of resident doctors, ensuring that Nigeria’s healthcare system functions efficiently and sustainably in the long term.