Resident Doctors Begin Five-Day Warning Strike Over Unpaid Allowances and Welfare Demands

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced a five-day warning strike today following the expiration of its latest ultimatum to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, salary arrears and unresolved welfare concerns.

The association announced the industrial action after what it described as the government’s failure to act on long-standing demands. Resident doctors form the backbone of Nigeria’s public health system, delivering most clinical services in federal and state hospitals. Strikes by the group often cripple healthcare delivery, leaving patients stranded and hospitals overwhelmed.

In a message titled “Declaration of Strike Action” and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, on Friday, the association confirmed the commencement of the strike at 8:00 a.m.

“All centre leadership is expected to guide their members accordingly. Further updates will be communicated to NEC members in due course,” Odunbaku said.

The grievances include the non-disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.

NARD explained that the decision to strike followed a six-hour virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting after the expiration of its ultimatum. The group had initially issued a 21-day deadline in July 2025, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10. A final 24-hour grace period expired on Thursday, September 11, with no government action.

The E-NEC expressed disappointment that despite repeated extensions, the Federal Government failed to address critical welfare issues, leaving the doctors with no option but to proceed with industrial action.