National-Association-of-Resident-Doctors-NARD
By Olayiwola Mercy
Resident doctors in Nigeria are threatening to go on a nationwide strike, accusing the Federal Government of neglecting agreements made in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2025. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) claims the government has failed to meet its commitments, including payment of promotion arrears, salary arrears, and specialist allowances, despite multiple deadlines.
The doctors had previously suspended a 29-day strike in November 2025 after signing the MoU, which outlined a four-week timeline for implementation. However, with no visible progress, NARD is now considering resuming industrial action, citing a breakdown of trust and sincerity in government-professional relations.
The MoU included agreements on payment of promotion arrears, salary arrears, and specialist allowances, among others. NARD President Dr. Adewunmi Adekoya stated that despite repeated appeals and ultimatums, the government has ignored their concerns, leaving the doctors with no choice but to consider strike action.
The potential strike comes amid concerns about Nigeria’s healthcare system, with resident doctors forming the backbone of service delivery in tertiary hospitals. NARD emphasizes that doctors are overworked and demoralized, and the government’s failure to honor agreements sends a dangerous signal that sacrifice and professionalism are not valued.
The doctors have given the government a deadline to address their concerns, failing which they will proceed with industrial action. The strike would significantly impact healthcare services, particularly in teaching hospitals and federal medical centers.
NARD’s threat highlights the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, and low morale among healthcare workers.
