Hospitals Shut As Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike 

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has officially initiated a five-day warning strike today, triggered by the unmet demands outlined in a recent ultimatum directed at the Federal Government.

The association emphasized that this industrial action was a last resort, as they felt ignored by the government regarding critical issues that affect their livelihoods and, ultimately, patient care.

Resident doctors play a crucial role in Nigeria’s public health system, delivering a significant portion of clinical services in both federal and state hospitals.

Consequently, when this association takes the drastic step of striking, it has severe repercussions for healthcare delivery across the nation, often resulting in a paralysis of services that leaves countless patients stranded and hospitals teetering under the strain of high demand and reduced workforce.

In a message titled “Declaration of strike action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, on Friday, the association confirmed the commencement of the strike.

“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,” he said.

Among the grievances are the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.

NARD said the decision followed a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, after the expiration of its ultimatum to the government — a 21-day deadline issued in July 2025, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10.

The doctors then gave the government a final 24 hours, which expired on Thursday, September 11.

The E-NEC expressed disappointment that, despite these repeated extensions, the Federal Government had still failed to address critical welfare issues, leaving the association with no choice but to proceed with industrial action.