NIGERIA’s health sector has been thrown into a fresh state of uncertainty as over 11,000 resident doctors under the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike at midnight on Saturday.
News Point Nigeria reports that the industrial action is affecting 91 major health institutions across the country, including teaching hospitals, Federal Medical Centres, specialist facilities, and some private hospitals, raising fears of a crippling impact on healthcare delivery.
Confirming the development in a phone interview with this newspaprt, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, said the association resolved to down tools after the Federal Government failed to address their 19-point demands despite a 30-day ultimatum and several appeals.
“Our members have decided to proceed with the strike. The Ministry of Finance has shown some commitment on financial issues, but that covers only a fraction of our demands. We have resolved to go ahead with a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike,” he stated.
The doctors are protesting issues ranging from welfare to systemic failures in the public health system. Among the unresolved demands are:
– Payment of 25–35% CONMESS salary arrears
– Settlement of delayed specialist and hazard allowances
– Immediate reversal of the sack of five resident doctors at Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja
– Urgent recruitment of additional medical personnel under a one-for-one replacement policy
– Improved safety and working conditions in hospitals
– Correction of faulty entry-level placement for house officers
– Inclusion of junior doctors in full public service salary structure
– Standardisation of working hours to global norms
According to Suleiman, Nigeria’s health infrastructure is overstretched as a result of mass emigration of medical professionals, worsening the doctor-to-patient ratio and overstressing those left behind.
“This is not a luxury struggle. We are demanding fair pay, safer hospitals, and a healthcare system that works for Nigerians,” he stressed.
In major cities like Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, patients have already begun experiencing delays in surgery schedules, suspended outpatient clinics, and restricted emergency services.
Healthcare analysts warn that the indefinite strike could trigger a humanitarian setback, as resident doctors constitute the major clinical workforce in Nigeria’s tertiary hospitals.
While acknowledging that discussions are ongoing, the association insists that prior assurances were not honoured and this time, only concrete implementation will end the walkout.
The strike underscores persistent tensions between Nigerian health workers and the government — a recurring crisis that continues to undermine the stability of the public healthcare system and drive more doctors abroad.
