The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a total and indefinite nationwide strike beginning on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm.
Due to this decision, there may be significant service interruptions at public hospitals across the nation in the days ahead.
Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, president of NARD, confirmed the decision, stating that it was made following an emergency virtual conference in which the association’s National Executive Council examined the government’s response.
“The NEC of NARD has declared total and indefinite strike action starting November 1st of 2025. As a matter of fact, the NEC said all the 19 points are our minimum demands, and there is no going back. The notice for the strike will be out maybe later today or tomorrow,” Suleiman said.
According to the group, a number of unmet commitments and delays in resolving important concerns impacting the welfare and training of its members preceded the walkout.
In light of the nation’s growing brain drain, the physicians also condemned the unfair discharge of five resident physicians from the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja, calling it insensitive.
Other problems include the withdrawal of medical and dental house officers from the civil service program, the exclusion of residents from specialised allowances, and the delays in raising resident doctors’ ranks following postgraduate examinations. According to the association, these rules have resulted in arrears, low medical morale, and salary shortages.
According to Dr. Suleiman, resident physicians still have to deal with long hours and unfavourable working circumstances, which puts their health and the safety of their patients at risk.
Nigerians worry about another hospital service breakdown as the strike date draws near, particularly in teaching and federal medical facilities that mainly depend on resident physicians.
However, this will not be the first time Resident Doctors have downed tools over poor welfare. Recall that the association embarked on similar nationwide strikes in 2023 and 2024, which left many government hospitals struggling to deliver essential healthcare services.
Join Our Social Media Channels:
WhatsApp: NaijaEyes
Facebook: NaijaEyes
Twitter: NaijaEyes
Instagram: NaijaEyes
TikTok: NaijaEyes
