The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a nationwide strike beginning Friday, September 12, 2025.
The strike followed the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum the doctors issued to the Federal Government on Wednesday, September 10.
NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, confirmed that the action was agreed after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting. The virtual meeting had delegates from federal, state, and private tertiary health institutions.
“The strike became inevitable after government failed to demonstrate good faith within the specified 24 hours,” Dr. Osundara said.
Unpaid Allowances and Arrears
Doctors said they were disappointed that despite several meetings, their welfare demands remained unresolved.
Key issues include the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), five-month arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS salary review, unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowance, and other outstanding salary arrears.
The association also condemned the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading postgraduate membership certificates, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for delays in issuing certificates to qualified doctors.
State Governments Under Fire
The doctors criticised Oyo State Government for “poor handling of welfare issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho,” where an indefinite strike has been ongoing.
They also faulted other state governments that have refused to release the MRTF to resident doctors under their payrolls.
NARD demanded immediate release of the MRTF, full payment of arrears, restoration of recognition for postgraduate certificates, and urgent interventions from state authorities.
Hospitals across the country are anticipated to be affected by the strike, resulting in the unfortunate sight of patients without any doctors to attend to them.
What do you think about the doctors’ action — is it the only way to push government into action, even at the risk of harming an already stretched healthcare system?
For more on Nigeria’s healthcare sector challenges, visit BBC Africa or the World Bank health data page.
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