Resident doctors strike threat sparks fresh crisis in Nigeria

Resident doctors strike threat grows as NARD gives government 10 days to meet demands or face a crippling nationwide shutdown

Resident doctors strike once again dominates headlines as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern 10-day ultimatum to the Federal Government.

Also read: Nigerian doctors give Tinubu govt 21 days to meet demands or face indefinite strike

The group warned that failure to meet its demands will result in a nationwide shutdown of medical services starting September 10, 2025.

In a communiqué signed by NARD leaders, the doctors accused the government of neglecting agreements, including the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, outstanding five months of CONMESS salary arrears, and the pending 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

NARD also condemned the downgrading of West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons membership certificates, as well as delays by the National Postgraduate Medical College in issuing certificates.

The communiqué faulted the Kaduna State Government for reneging on agreements with Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital doctors and criticized the Oyo State Government for ignoring the welfare crisis at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, where doctors remain on strike.

Despite the harsh tone, NARD commended state governors who have already paid the 2025 training fund, urging others to follow suit.

The association described the ultimatum as its final warning before embarking on what could be a crippling industrial action.

“The NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies. Failure to meet these demands will leave us with no option but to embark on strike,” NARD declared.

This unfolding power struggle between doctors and the government signals another storm in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.