Resident doctors across Nigeria commenced a five-day warning strike on Friday, crippling services in public hospitals and leaving patients bracing for severe disruption.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced the action after accusing the Federal Government of failing to meet longstanding demands, including payment of allowances, salary arrears, and release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
NARD said the strike, which began at 8 a.m., followed the expiration of several ultimatums issued to the government. The doctors had earlier given a 21-day notice in July, later extended by 10 days, and a final 24-hour deadline which lapsed on Thursday.
“Despite repeated extensions, the government has not shown seriousness in addressing our grievances,” NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, said in a statement confirming the strike.
Resident doctors, who provide most clinical services in federal and state hospitals, said their demands also include payment of five months’ arrears under the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure and outstanding specialist and hazard allowances.
The industrial action, declared after a six-hour emergency National Executive Council meeting, is expected to leave hospitals nationwide offering only skeletal services for the duration of the strike.
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