The Nigerian Association of Residents Doctors(NARD) has officially commenced an indefinite strike to press home their demands.
This was revealed by NARD president Dr. Mohammad Suleiman in a statement posted on the organization’s website on Saturday.
Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, president of NARD, had 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.
NARD issued a 30-day strike ultimatum, which expired before the decision was made.
According to Suleiman, the Federal Government of Nigeria has repeatedly failed to fulfil its commitments and carry out the agreements made with us after multiple rounds of discussion, appeals, and ultimatums, making the strike necessary.
“We wish to address you at this critical time as we embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike, a decision that did not come lightly, nor was it ever our desire. We are fully aware of the pains and inconveniences that accompany any disruption in healthcare services, and we deeply regret the situation.
“Our demands are not selfish, neither are they politically motivated. They are genuine, germane, and patriotic, centred on the survival of the Nigerian health system and the well-being of every citizen who depends on it.
“We fight not for personal gain, but for the creation of a system that allows doctors to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients in an environment that supports their mental and physical well-being. A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most.
“Our demands include issues of excessive workload, fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improvement of working conditions, adequate staffing, and the provision of essential medical infrastructure, all of which directly impact the quality of healthcare delivered to Nigerians.
“A nation’s health system can only be as strong as the hands that sustain it. If the doctors are broken, under-motivated, or forced to seek survival abroad, the patients suffer most. This is why we have taken this painful stand to secure the future of Nigerian healthcare for every man, woman, and child who deserves quality care here at home.
“We therefore call on all Nigerians – our patients, civil society groups, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, and every citizen of conscience – to stand with us. Add your voices to ours in appealing to the Federal Government to do the right thing.
“This is not a fight between resident doctors and the government; it is a struggle for a functional, just, and humane healthcare system, one where your doctor can attend to you with a clear mind, a motivated spirit, and access to the tools needed to save lives.
“Together, we can rebuild a system that values both the carer and the cared-for. We appeal to you to weigh in and urge the government to address our demands urgently so that hospitals can reopen, doctors can return to their duty posts, and Nigerians can once again access the care they deserve.
“We always stand with you, and now we ask you to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity,” he stated.
Due to unfulfilled demands specific to them from the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Abuja Resident Doctors announced on Thursday that they will join NARD in its indefinite strike.
Recall that a week ago, NARD declared that it would start an indefinite strike on Saturday, November 1, 2025.
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