The resident doctors had previously announced a plan to commence the industrial action on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced a nationwide, indefinite strike after the Federal Government failed to address its demands following a 30-day ultimatum.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the decision in a statement shared on the association’s social media handle on Saturday.
Speaking on the decision, Dr. Suleiman said the strike became inevitable due to the Federal Government of Nigeria’s repeated failure to honour its promises and implement agreements reached with NARD after several rounds of dialogue, appeals, and ultimatums.
He emphasised that the action is not for personal gain but aims for “the creation of a system that allows doctors to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients.” He further called on all Nigerians and “every citizen of conscience” to stand with the doctors.
ALSO READ: TAFTA concludes bootcamp empowering female alumni to build sustainable enterprises
The statement reads in part:”We wish to address you at this critical time as we embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, a decision that did not come lightly, nor was it ever our desire. We are fully aware of the pains and inconveniences that accompany any disruption in healthcare services, and we deeply regret the situation.
”Our demands are not selfish, neither are they politically motivated. They are genuine, germane, and patriotic, centred on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it… A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most.
”Our demands include issues of excessive workload, fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improvement of working conditions, adequate staffing, and the provision of essential medical infrastructure, all of which directly impact the quality of healthcare delivered to Nigerians.
”If the doctors are broken, under-motivated, or forced to seek survival abroad, the patients suffer most. This is why we have taken this painful stand to secure the future of Nigerian healthcare for every man, woman, and child who deserves quality care here at home.
”We therefore call on all Nigerians – our patients, civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, and every citizen of conscience – to stand with us… This is not a fight between resident doctors and the government; it is a struggle for a functional, just, and humane healthcare system…”
NARD had, prior to this announcement, publicly declared its plan to begin an indefinite strike on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
