Resident Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike as Ultimatum to FG Expires

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has warned that it may embark on a nationwide strike this Wednesday, following the expiration of its ultimatum to the Federal Government over unresolved welfare and professional demands. The looming industrial action has sparked concern among Nigerians, given the already fragile state of the country’s public health system.

NARD, the umbrella body representing thousands of resident doctors across federal and state-owned hospitals, had earlier issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government, demanding urgent attention to several outstanding issues. The association cautioned that failure to act within the timeframe would leave its members with no choice but to withdraw their services.

This development comes at a time when Nigeria’s healthcare sector is grappling with multiple challenges: severe shortages of medical personnel, dilapidated infrastructure, overcrowded facilities, and overstretched staff. Experts warn that any disruption in service delivery could have devastating consequences for millions of citizens who rely on public hospitals for affordable healthcare.

In a communiqué dated September 1, 2025, and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara; General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association outlined its specific demands. Top on the list is the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a financial support package designed to aid the postgraduate training of doctors in Nigeria. NARD argued that despite budgetary provisions, many of its members were yet to receive the funds.

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The association also called for the settlement of five months’ arrears arising from the 25–35 percent review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), as well as the payment of long-standing salary backlogs. Other financial entitlements highlighted include the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears and the timely disbursement of specialist allowances, which they described as critical to boosting morale among health workers.

Beyond monetary issues, NARD expressed frustration over professional recognition. It demanded the restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates and urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates without delay to qualified candidates. According to the association, these measures are essential for standardizing medical training and career progression.

The communiqué further raised concerns about unresolved welfare matters at state-owned institutions. Particular mention was made of lingering challenges faced by resident doctors in Kaduna State and at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. NARD insisted that these local grievances should not be ignored in the broader conversation about healthcare reforms.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Dr. Osundara emphasized the significance of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for Wednesday. He explained that the council would review the government’s actions, or inactions, since the ultimatum was issued.

“We are holding our NEC meeting tomorrow, and the outcome will determine our next line of action. At the meeting, we will review whether the government has made any meaningful progress on addressing our demands. If there is a positive response, it will guide our decision, but if not, the council will take a firm stance on the next steps, including the possibility of industrial action,” Osundara stated.

Also speaking, NARD’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, confirmed that the NEC would take a final position based on the government’s response. He reminded the public that the doctors had earlier given a three-week ultimatum in July, which was later extended to allow for dialogue with relevant stakeholders. However, he lamented that no concrete action had been taken.

“The outcome of the meeting will depend on the government’s response to our demands. If they are not addressed, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony, and a strike remains likely. Remember, we gave a three-week ultimatum in July and extended it. In the spirit of dialogue, the NEC mandated the National Officers’ Committee to engage stakeholders for another three weeks, yet nothing has been done. When we meet tomorrow, we will review the government’s response and decide on the next line of action,” Abdulrauf said.

Healthcare observers and patient advocacy groups have expressed deep concern over the possibility of another nationwide doctors’ strike. They warn that such action could paralyze medical services across the country, leaving patients stranded in overcrowded hospitals or forcing them to seek expensive private care. With Nigeria already battling high maternal and child mortality rates, the resurgence of cholera in parts of the country, and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, a prolonged strike could worsen an already dire public health outlook.

Critics of government inaction argue that the issues raised by NARD are not new. They point out that successive administrations have often failed to address recurring demands from health workers, leading to a cycle of ultimatums, strikes, and temporary resolutions. Meanwhile, medical experts continue to warn about the exodus of Nigerian doctors to other countries, a trend that further weakens the capacity of the local health system.

As the NEC meeting gets underway, Nigerians anxiously await the outcome. For many, the central question is whether the government will act swiftly to avert another crippling strike or whether hospitals will once again be plunged into crisis. Either way, the standoff underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms and sustained investment in the country’s health sector.