BREAKING: Resident Doctors Embark on Five-Day Warning Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has begun a five-day warning strike today, Friday, after the Federal Government failed to meet its demands on unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and other welfare concerns.

The association confirmed the action in a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, stressing that the decision followed the expiration of its latest ultimatum.

Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of Nigeria’s hospital workforce, deliver critical clinical services across federal and state health facilities. Their absence typically leaves hospitals overstretched and patients stranded.

“As clearly stated in our earlier communiqué, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. today. All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly,” Odunbaku said.

The association listed its key grievances, including:

• Non-release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.

• Non-payment of five months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.

• Outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.

NARD explained that the decision was reached after a six-hour Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting. The group had initially issued a 21-day ultimatum in July 2025, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10. A final 24-hour grace period ended on Thursday, September 11, without resolution.

The doctors expressed disappointment over what they described as the government’s failure to act, insisting the strike had become unavoidable.