Doctors set to decide on nationwide strike today

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will hold its National Executive Council meeting today (Wednesday) to decide on its next steps regarding an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

Earlier, the association had given a 10-day deadline to relevant authorities, warning that its members would embark on a nationwide strike if their demands were not met.

The looming action adds to the strain on Nigeria’s already fragile healthcare system, which is burdened by inadequate infrastructure, overcrowding, and a severe shortage of doctors. Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of personnel in teaching and specialist hospitals, have frequently downed tools in recent years over unpaid salaries, poor welfare, and poor working conditions.

Experts caution that another strike could cripple public healthcare, pushing patients towards costly private services and worsening health outcomes nationwide.

In a communiqué issued on September 1, 2025, signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the doctors reiterated their demands. These include immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and clearance of outstanding salary backlogs.

Other requests include payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates. They also urged the government to implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the concerns of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara said the NEC meeting would determine the association’s next course of action.

“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow (today), and the outcome will determine our next line of action. At the meeting, we will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action,” he stated.

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NARD First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, confirmed that the NEC would reconvene to assess the situation.

“The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response to our demands. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. Recall that we gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it. In the spirit of dialogue, the NEC asked the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for another three weeks, yet nothing has been done. Tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action,” Abdulrauf said.