Kaduna Resident Doctors Resume Indefinite Strike as Deadline Expires

The Kaduna State chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) has resumed its indefinite strike, citing the state government’s failure to honour agreements on their welfare and salary structure.

The industrial action, which was first declared in June 2025, had been suspended after the doctors gave the government a two-month grace period to resolve lingering issues. That grace period expired on August 31 without any resolution.

In a statement signed by ARD President, Dr. Richard Daniel, and General Secretary, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi, the association confirmed that the strike resumed at midnight on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

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“The leadership of ARD Kaduna State wishes to notify all state hospital managements and the general public of its resumption of indefinite strike on 31st August 2025 by 12:00 a.m. midnight,” the statement read.

The doctors explained that during an emergency virtual congress on August 14, members had agreed to give the government until the end of the month to implement the 100 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) 2024 and address other outstanding welfare issues, despite the original two-month deadline expiring on August 5.

“Failure to implement the said demands would leave the congress with no option but to down tools and resume its previously suspended indefinite strike. In this light, there was no adjustment to the demands as reflected in the August 2025 salary payment,” the statement added.

Earlier in the month, the ARD chapter at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital issued a 12-day strike notice to the government. The doctors demanded full implementation and payment of the adjusted CONMESS 2024, along with two months’ arrears.

According to the hospital’s ARD president, Dr. Josiah Yakubu, members unanimously resolved during their congress to issue the ultimatum, effective August 18.

The doctors’ demands centre largely on the implementation of the revised CONMESS 2024, which governs the salaries and allowances of medical professionals. They insist that the Kaduna State Government should fully implement the adjustment and clear two months of arrears.

Earlier in August, the ARD at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital had separately issued a 12-day strike notice to the government. Its president, Dr. Josiah Yakubu, explained that members had unanimously resolved during their congress to issue the ultimatum, which took effect on August 18.

“The demand is simple, full implementation and payment of 100 per cent CONMESS 2024, as adjusted, together with the two months arrears,” Yakubu had said.

Despite the warning signs, the union insists the government has not moved to address the matter, hence the resumption of the strike.

With the government yet to meet their demands, doctors across state-owned hospitals have now withdrawn their services, raising concerns over the impact on healthcare delivery in Kaduna.