Nigerian resident doctors strike begins nationwide over unpaid allowances, poor working conditions, and unresolved welfare issues in public hospitals.
The Nigerian resident doctors strike began at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025, marking an indefinite nationwide industrial action that is set to disrupt public healthcare services across the country.
The strike, organized by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), comes after the federal government failed to address a 19-point list of demands, described by the association as its “minimum expectations.”
These demands cover overdue allowances, better remuneration, improved working conditions, and reforms to ensure the sustainability of healthcare services.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, NARD President Dr. Muhammad Suleiman said the strike was the result of a five-hour emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).
“We have exercised patience and restraint for years, yet the government has continuously failed to act on critical welfare issues affecting doctors and other healthcare personnel,” he explained.
Highlighting the financial challenges facing medical professionals, Dr. Suleiman stated: “There are allowances pending for over two years, some for 18 months, seven months, four months, and even as far back as 10 years. The basic salary of doctors in this country has not been reviewed for 16 years.”
According to NARD, the federal government currently owes doctors an estimated ₦38 billion in arrears, while many hospitals continue to operate under severe funding and staffing shortages.
The Nigerian resident doctors strike demands the immediate payment of outstanding 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears, the 2024 accoutrement allowance, and full settlement of all pending financial entitlements owed to doctors.
NARD also seeks the reinstatement of five resident doctors dismissed from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full payment of their outstanding salaries and allowances.
Other key demands include implementing humane working hours in line with international best practices, granting hospital chief executives autonomy to hire replacements under the one-for-one replacement policy, payment of specialist allowances to all doctors, and correction of entry-level salary placements.
The association is also calling for urgent completion of the Collective Bargaining Agreement Committee’s review of CONMESS, enforcement of salary relativity between CONMESS and CONHESS, and implementation of agreed pension benefits.
Appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu, Dr. Suleiman urged immediate intervention to prevent a healthcare system collapse.
“Mr. President, we appeal to you as the father of the nation. Please intervene, listen to our plight, and help us resolve these long-standing issues,” he said.
Over the years, NARD has engaged in multiple strikes to demand improved welfare, better remuneration, and conducive working conditions.
While these strikes have often disrupted healthcare services, leaving patients stranded, doctors argue that they are necessary to push for systemic reforms that benefit the health sector in the long term.
Alongside NARD, the Association of Resident Doctors under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA) has also launched an indefinite strike starting the same day, citing unresolved welfare and administrative issues specific to FCT hospitals.
In a letter dated October 30, 2025, ARD-FCTA President Dr. George Ebong and General Secretary Dr. Agbor Affiong stated that members had unanimously voted to join the national strike during an emergency congress meeting on October 29.
The ARD-FCTA emphasized that it would continue its strike even if NARD suspended its nationwide industrial action until all FCT-specific concerns were resolved.
Their demands include immediate payment of salary arrears for members employed since 2023, commencement of new recruitment before year-end, release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), correction of salary irregularities, release of promotion timelines, and conversion of qualified members to consultant cadre within stipulated timelines.
Health analysts warn that the ongoing Nigerian resident doctors strike could exacerbate the already fragile healthcare system.
Public hospitals, which rely heavily on resident doctors to provide essential services, may operate at minimal capacity. Elective procedures are expected to be postponed, and patients requiring urgent care may face delays.
The strike could also have far-reaching social and economic consequences. Hospitals that serve as primary referral centers may struggle to maintain operations, forcing patients to turn to private providers at higher costs.
Ongoing medical programs, research activities, and emergency response services may also face interruptions, putting vulnerable populations at risk.
Despite the potential impact, NARD insists the strike is necessary to secure long-term reforms. “We are not calling this strike lightly,” Dr. Suleiman said.
“Our members have shown patience, but the government’s neglect leaves us with no choice. Our goal is to ensure doctors are fairly compensated and hospitals can function effectively to serve Nigerians.”
With resident doctors forming the backbone of Nigeria’s public healthcare workforce, the Nigerian resident doctors strike is expected to disrupt hospitals in every region of the country.
From Lagos to Maiduguri and Abuja to Port Harcourt, government hospitals may operate at skeletal capacity, while patients face longer wait times and reduced access to medical services.
The federal government has yet to release a detailed response, but officials have previously indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue.
Observers stress that immediate intervention by President Bola Tinubu and relevant health authorities is critical to preventing a nationwide healthcare crisis.
As the Nigerian resident doctors strike continues, Nigerians await a resolution that addresses doctors’ welfare, restores confidence in public hospitals, and ensures that essential medical services can continue without disruption.
The strike highlights the urgent need for reforms that prioritize healthcare workers, stabilize hospital operations, and prevent the collapse of the nation’s public health system.
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