Resident doctors declare indefinite nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike over the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements previously reached with the association.

In a statement signed on Saturday by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the association said the decision followed the government’s repeated neglect of commitments made to improve doctors’ welfare and strengthen the nation’s healthcare system.

The resident doctors urged Nigerians, patients, civil society groups, labour unions, and religious and traditional leaders to understand and support their struggle, describing it as a fight for the survival of the country’s healthcare sector.

Dr. Suleiman said the strike was necessitated by persistent issues such as excessive workload, poor remuneration, unpaid arrears, inadequate staffing, and lack of essential medical infrastructure.

“Our demands are not selfish or politically driven,” he stated. “They are patriotic and aimed at securing the future of Nigerian healthcare and ensuring that doctors can provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to their patients.”

He added that the strike was “a painful but necessary stand” to compel the government to act decisively, noting that doctors could no longer work effectively under current conditions.

“A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most,” he said.

NARD urged Nigerians to view the industrial action as part of a broader struggle for a functional and humane healthcare system where doctors are properly motivated and equipped to save lives.

“We appeal to all Nigerians to prevail on the government to urgently meet our demands so hospitals can reopen, doctors can return to work, and citizens can access the care they deserve,” the statement added.