Hospitals across Nigeria are facing a major shutdown as resident doctors under the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) begin a nationwide indefinite strike to protest poor working conditions and government neglect.
The association, which reportedly represents about 11,000 members across 91 healthcare facilities, announced that the action, which began at midnight on Saturday, will be “total, comprehensive, and indefinite.”
In a new statement titled “A Passionate Call to All Nigerians to Stand With NARD,” the doctors said the strike became unavoidable.
They attributed the matter to repeated failures by the Federal Government to honor its promises despite multiple dialogues and expired ultimatums.
They emphasized that their demands are not politically motivated but aimed at protecting the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring patients receive safe and quality care.
“Our fight is not for personal gain,” the association said, “but for a system that allows doctors to deliver effective care in an environment that supports their mental and physical well-being.”
Among NARD’s demands are the immediate payment of outstanding 25–35% CONMESS salary arrears, settlement of withheld allowances.
Demands also include reinstatement of five resident doctors dismissed by the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, and the enforcement of a one-for-one replacement policy to address excessive workload.
The association is also demanding the upgrade of deteriorating hospital infrastructure, the payment of specialist allowances, correction of entry-level placements for house officers, and the inclusion of all junior doctors in the public service salary structure.
NARD said the strike was not intended to punish the public but to safeguard the future of healthcare in the country.
It urged Nigerians to join in appealing to the government to meet the doctors’ 19-point demands and restore functionality to the system.
“This is not a fight between resident doctors and government,” the association stated. “It is a struggle for a humane and just healthcare system—one where every Nigerian can receive care from a motivated doctor with the right tools to save lives.”
As the strike continues, services in teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, and specialist facilities across the country have already been scaled down, with fears of worsening access to care if the standoff persists.
