Resident Doctors Begin Indefinite Nationwide Strike Over Unmet Demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has begun an indefinite nationwide strike after accusing the Federal Government of failing to honour previous agreements reached with the association.

In a statement released by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the doctors said the decision was taken after several rounds of negotiations and deadlines were ignored.

Suleiman expressed regret over the hardship the strike would cause patients but said it had become unavoidable due to the government’s persistent inaction.

The association’s demands include improved welfare, payment of outstanding arrears, better working conditions, increased staffing, and provision of essential hospital equipment.

“Our demands are not selfish or political. They are about saving Nigeria’s collapsing health system and ensuring patients get quality care,” Suleiman said.

NARD warned that the continued neglect of doctors’ welfare would worsen the country’s brain drain and further cripple healthcare delivery.

“A doctor who is underpaid, overworked, and mentally drained cannot give patients the care they deserve. If doctors keep leaving the country, it is the ordinary citizens who will suffer most,” the statement read.

The group urged civil society organisations, labour unions, and community leaders to pressure the government to act swiftly.

“This strike is not against the people but for a health system that works for everyone. We want to serve, but we cannot serve effectively in broken hospitals,” the statement added.

The association said it remains open to dialogue but insisted that only concrete government action would end the industrial action.