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By Myke Agunwa The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to commence an indefinite nationwide strike beginning November 1, 2025, following the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unmet demands. The announcement, signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, came after a five-hour emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Sunday. Recall that NARD had earlier embarked on a five-day warning strike in August 2025, to press home similar demands, after which the Federal Government promised to meet some of the conditions. However, the association accused the government of failing to honor its commitments, prompting the renewed industrial action. According to NARD, the strike became inevitable due to the government’s failure to implement agreements reached after several meetings and interventions. The doctors’ demands include the implementation of the 2023 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), payment of skipping arrears, upward review of hazard allowance, and the replacement of exited resident doctors to address manpower shortages in public hospitals. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has appealed to the doctors to shelve the strike, describing it as “ill-timed” and warning that it could further strain the health sector. Officials said discussions were ongoing to address outstanding issues and ensure the payment of verified entitlements. Despite this, NARD insists that only concrete action, not promises, will make it reconsider its position, emphasizing that doctors have been “pushed to the wall” by poor remuneration and working conditions across the country’s hospitals.
