Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike Today 

By Fatima Abdullahi 

Hospitals across Nigeria are bracing for disruptions as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) begins a five-day warning strike today. The union says it has been left with no option after repeated ultimatums to the Federal Government expired without action.

At the heart of the dispute are unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and unresolved welfare demands. Resident doctors, who provide much of the country’s hospital services, warn that government neglect is pushing the system to breaking point.

In a circular to members confirming the action, NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, wrote: “Good morning, NEC Members, thank you all for your continued cooperation and understanding. As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today (Friday). All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course.”

The association is demanding the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and payment of outstanding hazard and specialist allowances.

The warning strike was approved during a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting. NARD reminded government that it had issued a 21-day ultimatum in July, later extended by 10 days to September 10, before granting a final 24-hour grace period that ended on September 11.

Union leaders said the repeated extensions were ignored, leaving them with no choice but to withdraw their services. They stressed that the strike is not only about pay but also about respect for agreements and the sustainability of the health sector.