National-Association-of-Resident-Doctors-NARD
By Ab Susan
Nigeria’s resident doctors are set to begin an indefinite nationwide strike on November 1, 2025, due to unmet demands that have been ongoing for some time. The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on September 26, 2025, which expired without a satisfactory response, leading to the strike decision.
The resident doctors are demanding a 200% increase in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), improved working conditions, and other benefits. They are also seeking the immediate recruitment of clinical staff to address staffing shortages, payment of promotion arrears to medical officers in federal tertiary hospitals, and payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance.
Additionally, the doctors are calling for the inclusion of resident doctors in the specialist allowance paid to medical officers and the regulation of excessive and unregulated work hours. The strike is expected to significantly impact healthcare services in Nigeria, with NARD enforcing a “no work, no pay” policy.
NARD has directed its members to hand over patients and sensitize the public ahead of the strike, ensuring a smooth transition of care and minimizing disruptions to patient services. The association remains resolute in its demands, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize the welfare and working conditions of resident doctors.
The strike has sparked concerns about the potential impact on patients and the healthcare system as a whole. With the resident doctors taking a firm stance, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to their demands and address the pressing issues affecting the healthcare sector.
