The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective from Saturday, 1 November, following what it described as the federal government’s persistent failure to resolve long-standing issues.
The decision was reached after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, 25 October, and announced in a communiqué signed by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, on 26 October.
This marks an escalation of the dispute between resident doctors and the government after months of failed negotiations.
NARD had earlier embarked on a five-day warning strike on 12 September, which it suspended two days later, giving the government a two-week ultimatum that was later extended by 30 days.
“This grace period has since elapsed, yet the federal government has failed to demonstrate the political will necessary to address the legitimate concerns of Nigerian resident doctors,” it noted.
All resident doctors in federal and state tertiary hospitals are directed to withdraw their services “completely and indefinitely” until the government shows “genuine commitment” to resolving the issues.
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