The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday launched a five-day warning strike over unresolved welfare and payment issues with the Federal Government.
According to the group, the action followed the expiration of a fresh ultimatum given to the government to clear outstanding allowances, salary arrears, and other entitlements. Resident doctors provide the bulk of medical care in public hospitals, so the strike is expected to disrupt services nationwide.
In a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, NARD confirmed the strike began at 8:00 a.m. on September 12, 2025. The statement urged all chapter leaders to mobilise their members and said further updates would be shared with the National Executive Council (NEC).
The association listed its main grievances as:
- Non-release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
- Non-payment of five months of arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure.
- Unpaid specialist and hazard allowances.
NARD explained that the decision to proceed with the strike was reached at a six-hour online emergency NEC meeting. The union had initially issued a 21-day notice in July 2025, extended it by another 10 days, and later gave a final 24-hour ultimatum which all expired without government action.
Expressing frustration, the group said it had exhausted all avenues before deciding on the industrial action.
