The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike set to commence on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm, citing the Federal Government’s failure to address its long-standing demands.
This move is expected to severely disrupt healthcare services in public hospitals across the country.
The decision followed a five-hour emergency meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday.
After reviewing the government’s response to their 30-day ultimatum, the NEC, NARD’s highest decision-making body, voted unanimously in favor of a full-scale industrial action.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, announced the outcome in a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle early Sunday.
“The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a TOTAL, COMPREHENSIVE AND INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION to commence on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.,” Suleiman stated.
He emphasized that the association’s National Officers Committee (NOC) has been mandated to enforce the resolution in full compliance with the NEC’s directive.
“We have reported back to NEC, and NEC has decided. The NOC will carry out this directive to the letter,” he said.
The association noted that detailed strike guidelines have been issued, covering monitoring procedures, “no work, no pay” policies, and compliance measures for branches across the federation.
Each hospital branch has also been instructed to convene emergency congress meetings ahead of the strike to brief members and ensure unified action nationwide.
Dr. Suleiman also alleged that some individuals within and outside government circles were working against the welfare of young medical professionals.
“There are elements with exploitative motives targeting resident doctors in this country. We shall collectively resist such attempts,” he warned.
In preparation for the industrial action, NARD advised its members to properly handover patients, engage the media, and hold community sensitization meetings with traditional and religious leaders.
“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, engage constructively, and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” Suleiman encouraged members.
A full communiqué and press conference are expected in the coming days to outline the association’s minimum demands and clarify its next steps.
The looming strike comes amid worsening staff shortages in Nigeria’s healthcare system, driven by the ongoing migration of doctors abroad seeking better pay, working conditions, and career opportunities.
