Resident Doctors Indefinite Strike in Nigeria Begins
The resident doctors indefinite strike in Nigeria has officially begun, following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The announcement was made on Saturday by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, who confirmed that members across the country have withdrawn their services to protest the government’s failure to meet their long-standing demands.
According to Dr. Suleiman, the decision was not taken lightly but became unavoidable after “repeated failures by the Federal Government to honour its commitments and implement agreements reached through several rounds of dialogue and appeals.”
⚕️ Why the Resident Doctors Are on Strike
Dr. Suleiman explained that the association’s grievances center on critical issues affecting the healthcare system, including unpaid arrears, poor working conditions, inadequate staffing, and obsolete medical infrastructure.
He stated that the resident doctors indefinite strike in Nigeria aims to draw attention to the deteriorating conditions of hospitals and the worsening morale of medical personnel.
“Our demands are not selfish or politically motivated,” Suleiman said. “They are about the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it.”
He emphasized that overworked and underpaid doctors cannot deliver quality healthcare. “A doctor who is mentally and physically drained cannot provide safe and compassionate care,” he added.
NARD’s Message to Nigerians
While acknowledging the pain and inconvenience the strike may cause, NARD urged Nigerians to see the action as a fight for a better healthcare system rather than a confrontation with the government.
“This is not a battle between resident doctors and the government,” Suleiman clarified. “It is a call to rebuild a healthcare system that works for everyone — patients, doctors, and society at large.”
The NARD President appealed to civil society groups, labour unions, religious leaders, and citizens to stand in solidarity with the doctors, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly to prevent further collapse of healthcare delivery in public hospitals.
Hospitals Shut Down Nationwide
Following the announcement, major public hospitals in cities such as Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt have been forced to suspend most clinical operations. Patients are being advised to seek temporary alternatives at private medical facilities, where possible.
In the Federal Capital Territory, the Abuja chapter of NARD also confirmed its participation in the nationwide action, citing unfulfilled promises from the FCT Administration specific to their welfare and working conditions.
Health sources say that unless urgent steps are taken, the resident doctors indefinite strike in Nigeria could severely impact emergency care, surgeries, and teaching hospital services across the country.
Government’s Silence Draws Criticism
As of Saturday morning, there has been no official response from the Federal Ministry of Health or the Presidency.
Analysts warn that prolonged silence could worsen public frustration and heighten the brain drain crisis already plaguing Nigeria’s medical sector.
Healthcare experts have repeatedly cautioned that without reforms and fair compensation, the country will continue to lose skilled doctors to better-paying countries — deepening the strain on the few professionals remaining at home.
Call for Dialogue and Resolution
NARD has reiterated its readiness to return to the negotiation table once the Federal Government shows “genuine commitment” to addressing their demands.
“We are not enemies of the government,” Dr. Suleiman concluded. “We simply want a functional system that allows us to serve Nigerians with dignity, efficiency, and motivation.”
He urged authorities to act quickly to prevent further loss of lives and disruption of critical medical services, warning that the resident doctors indefinite strike in Nigeria will continue “until practical steps are taken, not just promises made.”
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