The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of failing to implement agreements previously reached with the association.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the strike in a statement released on Saturday through the association’s official channels. He said the industrial action followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
According to Suleiman, the decision became necessary after the government repeatedly failed to honour commitments made during several rounds of dialogue and negotiation.
“The strike has become inevitable following the repeated failure of the Federal Government of Nigeria to honour its promises and implement the agreements reached with us after several rounds of dialogue, appeals, and ultimatums,” the statement read.
The NARD president acknowledged the hardship the strike might cause patients but said the action was unavoidable in the interest of restoring dignity to the country’s health system.
“We are fully aware of the pains and inconveniences that accompany any disruption in healthcare services, and we deeply regret the situation. However, our demands are genuine, germane, and patriotic—focused on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen,” he added.
Among the association’s key demands are fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and provision of essential medical infrastructure.
Suleiman stressed that the strike was not politically motivated, appealing to Nigerians for understanding and solidarity.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians—our patients, civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders—to stand with us and urge the government to do the right thing,” he said.
The association reiterated that its action was aimed at building a humane and functional healthcare system rather than confronting the government.
Meanwhile, resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory had earlier announced plans to join the nationwide strike over similar unmet demands by the FCT Administration.
The indefinite strike officially began on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
