The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has embarked on a five-day warning strike, beginning today, after the expiration of its latest ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare demands.
Announcing the industrial action in a statement titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by its Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, NARD said the decision followed the Federal Government’s failure to act on long-standing issues despite repeated deadlines.
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“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,” Dr. Odunbaku noted in the message to members.
Resident doctors, who provide the bulk of clinical services across federal and state hospitals, are critical to Nigeria’s public health system. Their withdrawal of services often leaves patients stranded and hospitals overstretched.
The grievances outlined by NARD include: Non-release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, Payment of five months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), Unpaid specialist and hazard allowances.
The strike resolution was reached after a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting.
NARD recalled that it had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum in July, extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10.
A final 24-hour grace period expired on Thursday, September 11, without government intervention.
The E-NEC expressed disappointment that, despite repeated extensions, the Federal Government failed to meet critical welfare demands, leaving the association “with no choice but to proceed with industrial action.”