Medical services have been paralyzed across Nigeria’s public hospitals after the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced an indefinite strike action on Friday.
The industrial action follows the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum given to the Federal Government to address longstanding demands, which itself came after a previous 10-day deadline lapsed on September 10 without resolution.
NARD President Dr. Tope Osundare confirmed the strike began Friday morning after government failed to meet minimum demands.
“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,” he stated.
The decision to strike was reached after a six-hour virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Wednesday. Resident doctors, who form the majority of medical personnel in teaching hospitals, are demanding immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25-35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other salary backlogs.
Other demands include payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates, and resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Osundare acknowledged government engagement but emphasized the need for immediate action. “The Federal Government called us yesterday and promised to address our concerns. The government should expedite action on the demands before them,” he said.
In a message to members titled “Declaration of strike action,” NARD Secretary-General Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku confirmed: “As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am today. All Centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly.”
When asked if this was a warning strike, Osundare indicated flexibility: “We will review after the Federal Government has done the needful.”
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