The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, shutting down public hospitals across the country from Friday.
The action follows the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to meet a series of outstanding demands. The ultimatum came after an earlier 10-day deadline, which lapsed on September 10 without resolution.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundare, confirmed the strike on Friday morning, stating: “Unfortunately, the minimum demands were not met within the given 24-hour period, and the strike commenced this morning as directed by the NEC of the association.”
Resident doctors—who make up the majority of the workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals—are demanding the immediate disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and payment of long-standing salary backlogs.
Other demands include the release of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt payment of specialist allowances, restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
The doctors are also pushing for the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS adjustment, resolution of outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and improved conditions for resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Dr. Osundare said the association acknowledged the Federal Government’s assurances but insisted that immediate action was necessary. “The government should expedite action on the demands before them,” he stated.
The strike is expected to put further strain on the country’s already overstretched health system, as resident doctors play a critical role in delivering care at federal and state tertiary hospitals.