Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors may strike as NEC meets today to decide on unmet demands and worsening healthcare conditions
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors may soon embark on a nationwide strike, as the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) holds a decisive meeting today to evaluate the Federal Government’s failure to meet a list of urgent demands.
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In a tense atmosphere marked by growing pressure on Nigeria’s already fragile public health infrastructure, the doctors are reviewing the outcome of a 10-day ultimatum issued to relevant government agencies earlier this month.
The ultimatum warned of industrial action if issues surrounding wages, allowances, and welfare were not addressed.
Resident doctors, who form the backbone of medical care in most of Nigeria’s teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly raised concerns over poor working conditions, salary arrears, and a lack of professional recognition.
A communiqué released on September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara and other executive members, listed key demands. These include:
- Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
- Settlement of five months’ salary arrears related to the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure
- Disbursement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance
- Restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates
- Issuance of long-overdue membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College
The union also highlighted unresolved issues affecting resident doctors in Kaduna State and at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Speaking to The PUNCH on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara stated that the NEC would evaluate whether the government has made “meaningful progress.”
If no satisfactory response is evident, the association is expected to adopt a firm position—potentially leading to a nationwide strike.
Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, the association’s First Vice-President, echoed the sentiment, reminding the public that earlier deadlines had been extended in the spirit of dialogue.
However, he cautioned that continued inaction could result in a complete breakdown of industrial harmony.
Experts warn that another shutdown of public hospitals could significantly damage the health sector.
Nigeria is already dealing with a severe doctor shortage, deteriorating hospital conditions, and rising patient loads.
A strike now would force many to seek costly private care, exacerbating healthcare inequality and worsening national health outcomes.
All eyes are now on the NEC meeting, expected to end with a resolution that will either ease or escalate tensions.
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For now, the Nigerian public waits anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough in negotiations that could prevent further collapse of the healthcare system.
Source: Read more at gazettengr.com
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
