Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Welfare, Funding Issues

Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Welfare, Funding Issues

By Abiola Adigun

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday began a nationwide strike after the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum to the federal government, raising fresh concerns over disruptions to healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of personnel in emergency wards and other critical hospital units, are medical graduates undergoing specialist training. They form a vital part of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, meaning their withdrawal of services could significantly strain hospitals, worsen patient outcomes, and deepen the burden on an already fragile health system.
The strike follows a 10-day ultimatum issued by NARD on September 1, which was later extended by 24 hours on September 11. With no breakthrough in talks, the association’s national executive council (NEC) directed its members to commence the industrial action.
Dr. Tope Osundara, NARD president, said the doctors’ demands centre on welfare and manpower shortages across health facilities.
“It’s majorly about welfare. We also have issues of shortage of manpower in almost all healthcare centres and facilities across the nation,” Osundara said.
The doctors are demanding payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), settlement of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and clearance of five months’ outstanding arrears from the 25 percent/35 percent consolidated medical salary structure review. They are also protesting the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s (MDCN) decision to downgrade membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.
The federal government is yet to issue an official response to the latest strike.
Health analysts warn that the action could further limit access to emergency care and specialist services, particularly in public hospitals where resident doctors play an indispensable role. The strike also threatens to compound Nigeria’s medical brain drain challenge, as worsening welfare conditions push more doctors to seek opportunities abroad.