Nigerian Doctors Begin Five-Day Nationwide Strike
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a five-day nationwide warning strike starting Friday, 12th September 2025, in a move to push forward their long-standing demands. The strike, which will affect hospitals across the country, is expected to run until Tuesday, 16th September 2025.
According to a statement issued by the General Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Agbor Affiong, the decision was taken after an online National Executive Council (NEC) meeting that went into the early hours of Thursday, 11th September 2025.
NARD explained that the strike action is necessary after several negotiations with the government failed to meet their demands. While the statement did not give full details of the demands, past disputes have centered around better working conditions, improved salaries, provision of medical equipment, and the welfare of resident doctors.
The association made it clear that all centers across Nigeria are directed to notify their hospital managements about the development while continuing to press for improvements in the healthcare sector. This action means that services in many hospitals could be disrupted, especially in emergency and specialist departments where resident doctors play a major role.
This warning strike is not the first by NARD in recent years. The body has often resorted to industrial action when negotiations with the government fail to bring results. The five-day warning strike is seen as a first step, and if the demands are not addressed, there could be a longer nationwide strike in the future.
Healthcare experts have expressed concerns that the strike could affect patients who rely heavily on public hospitals. They stressed the urgent need for dialogue between the doctors and the government to avoid prolonged disruption in medical services.
The government is yet to release an official response to the new strike notice, but Nigerians are watching closely to see if urgent steps will be taken to prevent an escalation.
