Resident doctors across Nigeria have downed tools today, September 12, 2025, as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors began a five-day warning strike to press home demands for unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare issues.
The association said the decision followed the Federal Government’s failure to meet its long-standing commitments despite several ultimatums.
In a message addressed to members and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the association confirmed the commencement of the industrial action.
“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),” Odunbaku said.
He directed chapter leaders across hospitals to “guide their members accordingly,” adding that further updates would be communicated to the National Executive Council in due course.
The grievances include non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, as well as outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
Resident doctors, who form a critical part of Nigeria’s public health workforce, provide a significant portion of clinical services in federal and state-owned hospitals.
Their withdrawal of service often disrupts healthcare delivery nationwide, leaving patients stranded.
NARD noted that the decision was reached after a six-hour virtual extraordinary NEC meeting. The association had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum in July, later extended by 10 days, which expired on September 10. It gave the government an additional 24 hours to respond, which lapsed on Thursday, September 11.
“The E-NEC expressed disappointment that, despite repeated extensions, the Federal Government has still failed to address critical welfare issues,” the statement added. “We have been left with no choice but to proceed with industrial action.”
The Federal Government has yet to issue an official response to the latest strike action at the time of filing this report.