Nigerian Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Welfare Demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a nationwide strike beginning Friday, September 12, after the federal government failed to meet its minimum demands within the 24-hour ultimatum issued on Wednesday.

NARD President, Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, confirmed that the industrial action followed the expiration of the deadline set during an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on September 10.

Representatives from federal, state, and private tertiary health institutions attended the meeting, where they reviewed the earlier three-week ultimatum given in July and its 10-day extension.

The doctors said they were disappointed that key issues affecting their welfare remained unresolved despite multiple engagements with government stakeholders.

Their grievances include the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to several doctors, outstanding five-month arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS salary review, unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowance, and other salary arrears.

They also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading membership certificates from the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for delaying certificates to qualified candidates.

Additionally, NARD condemned the Oyo State Government over unresolved welfare issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, who remain on indefinite strike, as well as state governments that have yet to disburse MRTF payments.

The association is demanding the immediate release of the 2025 MRTF, settlement of all outstanding arrears, restoration of recognition for postgraduate membership certificates, and urgent intervention by state governments to address doctors’ welfare concerns.

Dr. Osundara said the strike became inevitable after the government failed to show good faith by meeting their minimum demands within the given 24 hours.

Hospitals across the country are expected to feel the impact of the industrial action, sparking fears of disrupted healthcare services for millions of Nigerians.