The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially commenced a nationwide strike, directing its members to withdraw services from all public hospitals across Nigeria starting Friday, September 12, 2025.
The strike follows the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, coming after an earlier 10-day deadline issued on September 10 failed to elicit any concrete response. NARD, which represents the majority of medical professionals in teaching and specialist hospitals, warned that the action would continue until their demands are fully addressed.
Key issues driving the strike include:
- Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
- Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review
- Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
- Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
- Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates
- Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
- Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS
- Resolution of outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State
- Addressing the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
Despite promises from the Federal Government to resolve these issues, NARD reported no meaningful action within the ultimatum period, prompting the strike.
The industrial action is expected to significantly disrupt medical services in public hospitals nationwide, potentially affecting patient care and hospital operations. NARD has emphasized that the strike will remain in effect until all demands are satisfactorily met, with periodic reviews depending on government response.