The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on a five-day warning strike after the expiration of the ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare issues.
The strike which commenced on Friday would result to disruption of services in hospitals accros the country.
Announcing the strike actions in a notice titled “Declaration of Strike Action” signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, NARD said the strike began at 8:00 am Friday following what it described as the government’s “inaction” on long-standing demands.
“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,” the statement read.
The grievances outlined by the doctors include non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund; non-payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS); outstanding specialist allowances, and unsettled hazard allowances.
The decision to embark on strike was taken during a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held Thursday night.
The meeting followed the expiration 21-day notice issued in July 2025, to the government which was later prolonged by 10 days, that expired on September 10.
A final 24-hour grace period given to the government also expired on Thursday, September 11.
The doctors expressed dismay that, despite repeated extensions, the Federal Government had still failed to resolve their critical welfare concerns.
The NEC noted with disappointment the persistent neglect and insensitivity of the government to the plight of resident doctors, adding that, having exhausted all avenues of engagement, the association had no choice but to proceed with the warning strike.
