Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Unpaid Allowances and Salary Arrears
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a nationwide strike, ordering its members to withdraw services from all public hospitals across Nigeria.
The industrial action began on Friday, September 13, 2025, after the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the federal government.
Why Resident Doctors Are on Strike
According to NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundare, the strike decision followed a six-hour virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on September 10. The doctors had initially given a 10-day ultimatum, which expired on September 10 without resolution.
The association’s demands include:
Payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS salary review
Clearance of outstanding salary backlogs
Payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
Recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates
Issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
Resolution of welfare challenges faced by resident doctors in Kaduna State and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
NARD Confirms Strike Has Commenced
Speaking on Friday morning, Dr. Osundare confirmed that the strike had officially started:
“Unfortunately, the minimum demands were not met within the given 24-hour period, and the strike commenced this morning as directed by the NEC of the association.”
When asked if the action was only a warning strike, he explained that the NEC would review the decision after assessing the federal government’s response.
NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, also issued a message confirming the commencement of the strike at 8:00 am Friday.
Previous Strikes by Resident Doctors
This is not the first time resident doctors have resorted to strike action. Recently, the Association of Resident Doctors, FCT chapter (ARD-FCT), also embarked on a seven-day warning strike over similar unresolved issues.
The ongoing industrial action raises serious concerns about healthcare delivery in Nigeria, as resident doctors make up a significant portion of the country’s hospital workforce.
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