The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike, set to begin at midnight on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
The decision followed a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association and was disclosed on Friday by NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Usman Suleiman.
According to Suleiman, the strike became inevitable after “exhaustive deliberations” and the federal government’s continued failure to address the long-standing demands of resident doctors across the country.
“In light of the government’s unresponsiveness, the NEC has resolved that all resident doctors in federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide should withdraw their services completely and indefinitely,” Suleiman said.
He added that the industrial action would remain in effect until both the federal and state governments show genuine commitment to meeting the association’s demands.
“This marks the first total strike declared by NARD in three years,” Suleiman noted, emphasizing that the association had explored every avenue for dialogue with the administration of President Bola Tinubu before resorting to the strike.
“We are not asking for anything new—only what has already been agreed upon. These include the payment of our basic salaries and allowances. It is unfortunate that those of us in the field saving lives are being denied what is rightfully ours, while political office holders continue to receive their full entitlements,” he said.
Appealing directly to President Tinubu, Suleiman urged the government to intervene immediately to prevent a total collapse of healthcare services nationwide.
He called on all resident doctors to ensure full compliance and solidarity, describing the strike as a “decisive course” necessary to defend the rights and welfare of Nigerian doctors.
