The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) 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 demands.
The association announced the action after what it described as persistent government inaction on long-standing issues affecting its members.
Resident doctors make up the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, providing a significant share of clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Their withdrawal of services typically 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 wrote.
Among the grievances listed are the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, non-payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
NARD explained that the strike decision was reached after a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, which followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued in July 2025. The deadline was later extended by 10 days, lapsing on September 10, with a final 24-hour grace period that expired on Thursday, September 11.
The E-NEC expressed disappointment that despite these repeated extensions, the Federal Government failed to address critical welfare issues, leaving the association with no option but to proceed with industrial action.