BREAKING: Resident Doctors Embark on Five-Day Warning Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has begun a five-day warning strike today, following the expiration of its latest ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare demands.

The association said it was left with no option but to proceed with industrial action after what it described as continued government inaction on critical issues.

Resident doctors, who provide the bulk of clinical services in federal and state hospitals, play a central role in Nigeria’s healthcare system. Their withdrawal of services is expected to disrupt hospital operations nationwide, leaving patients stranded.

In a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, the association confirmed the strike’s commencement at 8:00 a.m. 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.

NARD listed its grievances to include:

Non-release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund

Non-payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

ATTENTION: Follow 9jaReporters on Instagram for a chance to win ₦100,000 in our Top Fans Challenge!

JOIN NOW to participate and stand a chance to win exclusive prize ons, free airtime, and exciting gifts!

FOLLOW US TODAY! DON’T MISS OUT!

Outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.

The strike decision followed a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, after the government failed to act on a 21-day ultimatum issued in July 2025, later extended by 10 days and again by a final 24 hours, which lapsed on Thursday, September 11.

The E-NEC expressed disappointment that, despite these repeated deadlines, the Federal Government had failed to address the doctors’ demands.