Amid rising concerns over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Mohammad Suleiman, has defended the association’s recent strikes, saying they were motivated by a commitment to protect the sector, not self-interest.
Speaking at a five-day leadership and policy-making workshop at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, Suleiman stressed that the strikes aimed to address systemic challenges, improve efficiency, and prevent a worsening medical brain drain.
He revealed that over 15,000 doctors have left Nigeria since 2014, including 4,700 in 2024 alone, warning that if trends continue, another 15,000 doctors could leave within the next decade. “This could leave families unable to access essential medical care”, he said.
Suleiman added that NARD is not bringing new demands to the table but is pressing the government to implement existing agreements that can improve healthcare delivery without additional cost. He described strikes as difficult but necessary to safeguard the future of medical services in Nigeria.
NIPSS Director General, Professor Ayo Omotayo, welcomed the association’s leaders and praised their focus on strategic leadership and policy literacy, noting that it demonstrates a shift toward informed, constructive engagement with policymakers to strengthen the health sector.
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