BREAKING: Nigerian Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike Over Unpaid Allowances and Welfare Concerns
Abuja, Nigeria – September 12, 2025 – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially commenced a five-day warning strike today, following the expiration of a fresh ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over a series of unresolved issues including unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and persistent welfare challenges.
This industrial action comes after weeks of negotiations and repeated calls by the doctors for the government to fulfill its commitments. Despite assurances, NARD says there has been no concrete action on critical demands affecting its members across the country.
Key Issues Behind the Strike:
- Unpaid Salary Arrears: Many resident doctors across federal and state institutions report months of unpaid wages and delays in financial entitlements.
- Hazard and COVID-19 Allowances: NARD is demanding immediate payment of backlog hazard allowances and other welfare packages promised during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Training and Residency Support: The association is also pushing for timely release of medical residency training funds and improvements in working conditions within government-owned hospitals.
Speaking during a press briefing, NARD President, Dr. Dele Adeyemo, emphasized that the strike was a last resort, aimed at drawing urgent attention to the deteriorating conditions doctors face in the country’s public health sector.
“We cannot continue to work under these circumstances while our welfare is ignored. This strike is a warning — we hope the government listens before we consider an indefinite action,” he said.
Healthcare Services Disrupted Nationwide
The warning strike is expected to cause significant disruptions in public tertiary hospitals, where resident doctors form the backbone of clinical care. Patients seeking non-emergency services may experience delays, while only skeletal services will be available in most federal teaching hospitals and medical centers.
Call for Immediate Government Intervention
Healthcare stakeholders, including patient rights groups and medical associations, are urging the Federal Government to act swiftly to prevent a total breakdown of hospital services. Many have called for a proactive engagement to resolve the lingering issues permanently.
As the strike unfolds, there is growing pressure on the Ministry of Health and other relevant bodies to re-engage with NARD leadership and meet the demands to prevent escalation.
This development marks another critical moment in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, underscoring the urgent need for sustained investment in medical personnel welfare and hospital infrastructure.
Stay with us for ongoing coverage and updates on the strike and its national impact.
