DoctorsNARD accuses government of neglecting earlier agreements, orders members to down tools from October 31
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the commencement of a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike effective from 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, citing the Federal Government’s failure to meet the association’s long-standing demands.
The decision was reached after a five-hour extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held last Sunday. The council, according to the association, concluded that the government had failed to act on the issues raised despite a 30-day ultimatum issued in September.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the association stated that the National Officers Committee had exhausted all avenues of dialogue and persuasion “with grace and confidence,” but had been left with no alternative other than to proceed with industrial action.
“The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action to commence on Friday, 31st October 2025, at 11:59 p.m.,” Suleiman announced. He noted that the council had outlined the minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and modalities to ensure full participation by all members across the country.
Suleiman further directed all centre presidents and general secretaries to convene emergency congress meetings in their respective institutions to brief members on the resolutions and prepare them for the nationwide action.
He accused certain individuals both within and outside the government of “harbouring exploitative plans” against resident doctors, stressing that the association would collectively resist such moves. According to him, the union’s demands are focused on improving the welfare of doctors, creating better working conditions, and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare across Nigeria.
In preparation for the strike, NARD urged its members to use the remaining days before the deadline to hand over patients properly to consultants or other senior colleagues. The association also advised members to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, and members of the public to explain the reasons behind the industrial action and to seek public understanding and support.
“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” the NARD president assured members.
Dr. Suleiman revealed that a detailed communiqué and press conference would soon be held to present the association’s full list of demands and clarify the NEC’s decisions. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to act strictly under the directive of the NEC, emphasizing that the strike would continue until the government demonstrates genuine commitment to addressing their grievances.
The planned strike by resident doctors, who make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, is expected to affect hospitals nationwide, potentially worsening the country’s already strained healthcare system.
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