Nigeria’s health sector has been thrown into turmoil as resident doctors across the country commenced a five-day warning strike, effectively shutting down hospitals and leaving patients stranded. The industrial action was declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) following the expiration of its 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government.
The doctors had earlier issued a 10-day deadline which lapsed on September 10 without any concrete resolution. NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, confirmed the commencement of the strike in an official message on Friday, stating that the decision was taken after a marathon six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting.
In the directive, Odunbaku reminded members that the strike officially began at 8:00 am and urged leadership at all centres to ensure strict compliance. “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. Further updates will be communicated in due course,” the statement read.
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The doctors are demanding the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears arising from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and settlement of outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
With the strike now in effect, thousands of patients nationwide are left in limbo, as critical healthcare services grind to a halt. The Federal Government is yet to issue a concrete response, raising fears that the standoff could escalate if urgent steps are not taken to resolve the doctors’ grievances.
