The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to begin an indefinite nationwide strike starting November 1, 2025, after the Federal Government failed to meet its 30-day ultimatum.
NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, confirmed the decision on Saturday after the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) reviewed the government’s response during an emergency virtual meeting.
“The NEC of NARD has declared total and indefinite strike action starting November 1, 2025. All 19 points remain our minimum demands, and there is no going back,” Dr. Suleiman said.
Why the Resident Doctors Are Going on Strike
According to NARD, the strike became inevitable due to the government’s persistent neglect of critical welfare and training concerns affecting doctors across federal and state hospitals.
The doctors’ grievances include:
Unpaid arrears from the 25% and 35% upward review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS)
Excessive and unregulated work hours for resident doctors
Unjust dismissal of five resident doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja
Non-payment of promotion arrears for medical officers in tertiary hospitals
Delayed payment of 2024 accoutrement allowances despite repeated assurances
Failure to upgrade doctors’ ranks after postgraduate examinations, causing unpaid salary differentials
Exclusion and Downgrading Issues
The association also criticized the government’s exclusion of resident doctors from the specialist allowance, despite their crucial role in specialist-level patient care.
Similarly, medical and dental house officers remain excluded from the civil service scheme, a move NARD describes as “unfair and demotivating,” as it denies them career progression and appropriate remuneration.
NARD further condemned the downgrading of newly employed doctors from CONMESS 3 Step 3 to CONMESS 2 Step 2, which has resulted in reduced earnings and unpaid salary arrears in several institutions.
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Impact on Healthcare Services
Health experts warn that the strike could paralyse hospital services nationwide, as resident doctors form the backbone of clinical care in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
If unresolved, the action may deepen the healthcare crisis already strained by emigration of medical professionals, leaving patients in public hospitals with limited access to critical care.
What Comes Next
NARD insists that the government must meet all 19 demands to avert the looming shutdown. The official strike notice is expected to be released within days, signalling yet another standoff between Nigeria’s medical workforce and federal authorities.