BREAKING: Nigerian Resident Doctors Declare Indefinite Nationwide Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action scheduled to begin at midnight on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

The announcement was made on Friday by NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman, following the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. 

Suleiman stated that the decision came after exhaustive deliberations and the federal government’s persistent failure to meet the legitimate demands of resident doctors across the country.

“In light of the government’s unresponsiveness, the NEC has resolved that all resident doctors in federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide should withdraw their services completely and indefinitely,” Suleiman said

 “This action will remain in force until both the federal and affected state governments demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing our demands.”

He urged all members to ensure total compliance, unity, and unwavering support as the association embarks on what he described as a “decisive course.”

Dr. Suleima emphasised that this is the first total strike declared by the association in three years, adding that NARD had exhausted all avenues for dialogue with the President  Bola Tinubu-led government before resorting to industrial action.

“After exhaustive deliberations and in light of the federal government’s persistent failure to address the legitimate demands of Nigerian resident doctors, the NEC has resolved as follows that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors hereby declares a total comprehensive and indefinite strike commencing at 12 a.m midnight on Saturday 1st November 2025.
 
“All resident doctors in federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide are directed to withdraw their services completely and indefinitely until the federal government and affected state governments demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing our demands. This is the first time NAD is declaring a total action after three years. 

“The last time we had a strike was three years ago. So we were ready for that. We’ve been dialoguing for three years, but we have arrived here looking for too much, to just collect the basic minimum salaries, our allowances, our due. 

“We are not asking for new things. These are things we have agreed. Pay it. You have refused. No one will come and tell you that what they are asking for is illegitimate. They will show you papers. 

“We have agreed. They will not tell you the federal government does not have money. Mr. President, they have been paying themselves their own salaries and allowances.

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“It is us that are in the field working that they are not paying. I hope you will listen to this passionate appeal and plea from Nigerian doctors, and I hope you will use your good will. You are the father of the nation to come into this matter, weigh in it, and solve it for us,” Suleiman added.

Appealing to President Bola Tinubu, the NARD president called for urgent intervention to avert a total collapse of healthcare services across Nigeria.