Nigerian resident doctors threaten nationwide strike

Nigeria’s resident doctors have threatened an indefinite nationwide strike, beginning on August 10, unless the federal government resolves longstanding grievances over unpaid salaries, allowances, and welfare conditions.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced the Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike after its National Executive Council meeting in Gombe State, where members reviewed implementation of prior government agreements. The strike would commence at 8 a.m. on the deadline date unless demands are met beforehand.

Among NARD’s key demands are immediate payment of arrears from the 25 and 35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, 19 months of unpaid professional allowance arrears, and outstanding salary and promotion payments owed to doctors at several federal health institutions.

The association also called for payment to eligible resident doctors omitted from the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund disbursement.

NARD acknowledged the federal government’s recent distribution of the residency training fund but said many financial obligations remain unresolved. The association also raised concerns over what it described as continued intimidation of resident doctors at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, accusing management of refusing to provide call duty meals.

The group condemned persistent assaults and harassment of doctors nationwide, calling for a national protocol to prevent violence against healthcare workers and legislation criminalising attacks on health personnel.

SOURCE: MRA