JUST IN: Resident doctors begin nationwide strike
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a nationwide strike, effective Friday, following the federal government’s failure to meet its minimum demands within a 24-hour ultimatum issued on Wednesday.
Dr. Osundara Tope Zenith, NARD President, confirmed that the industrial action was activated after the deadline expired. The ultimatum followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting, held virtually on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, which brought together representatives from federal, state, and private tertiary health institutions across the country.
At the meeting, the E-NEC reviewed a three-week ultimatum initially issued in July and its subsequent 10-day extension. The doctors expressed disappointment that repeated engagements with relevant stakeholders had not resolved critical issues affecting their welfare.
Key grievances include the non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to several resident doctors, unsettled five-month arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS review, unpaid 2024 accoutrement allowances, and other outstanding salary arrears.
NARD also criticised the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) for downgrading the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons, and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) for delays in issuing certificates to qualified candidates.
The E-NEC further condemned the Oyo State Government for its handling of welfare issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, where doctors have been on an indefinite strike, and criticised other state governments that have failed to release MRTF to resident doctors under their employment.
As part of its resolutions, NARD demanded the immediate release of the 2025 MRTF, payment of all outstanding arrears, restoration of recognition for postgraduate membership certificates, and urgent interventions by state governments to address welfare challenges.
Dr. Osundara emphasised that the strike became inevitable after the government failed to demonstrate good faith by meeting the minimum demands within the 24-hour window. Hospitals nationwide are expected to be affected, raising fresh concerns about access to healthcare for Nigerians reliant on public health institutions.
