The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has embarked on an indefinite strike to push for the fulfillment of their demands.
The President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced this in a statement shared on the association’s official page on Saturday.
This development follows the lapse of a 30-day strike ultimatum earlier issued by the association.
Suleiman stated that the strike had become unavoidable due to the Federal Government’s continued failure to fulfil its commitments and implement agreements reached after numerous meetings, appeals, and deadlines.
“At this crucial moment, we wish to inform you that we have commenced a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike — a decision we did not take lightly. It is far from our desire to halt healthcare services.
We fully understand the hardship and inconvenience this action may cause, and we sincerely regret that the situation has come to this.”
“Our demands are neither selfish nor politically driven. They are sincere, necessary, and rooted in patriotism, focused on safeguarding Nigeria’s healthcare system and protecting the well-being of every citizen who relies on it.
“Our struggle is not driven by personal interest, but by the urgent need to build a healthcare system where doctors can provide safe, effective, and compassionate care. No doctor can serve patients optimally when overworked, underpaid, and mentally drained.
A system that neglects the well-being of its caregivers is one that ultimately fails its patients.
Our demands involves critical issues such as excessive workload, fair and timely remuneration, payment of outstanding arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and the provision of essential medical facilities.
These are not personal interests but fundamental needs that directly influence the quality of healthcare Nigerians receive.
“The strength of any nation’s healthcare system lies in the wellbeing and motivation of those who serve within it. When doctors are exhausted, undervalued, or driven to leave the country in search of a livelihood, it is the ordinary patient who pays the highest price.
Our decision to take this difficult step is not out of convenience, but necessity — to safeguard the future of healthcare in Nigeria and ensure that every man, woman, and child receives the quality treatment they deserve right here at home.”
We, therefore, appeal to all Nigerians — our patients, civil society organisations, labour unions, religious and traditional institutions, and every citizen of goodwill — to stand with us at this crucial moment.
Your voices matter. We invite you to join us in urging the Federal Government to act responsibly, honour its commitments, and take decisive steps to safeguard the future of our healthcare system and the well-being of our people.
This is not a battle between resident doctors and the government; it is a collective push for a fair, effective, and compassionate healthcare system—one where doctors can serve with clarity, dedication, and the essential resources required to preserve and save lives.
” Together, we can rebuild a healthcare system that honours both those who provide care and those who receive it. We call on all Nigerians, stakeholders, and advocates of a just society to lend their voices and press the government to urgently address our demands.
Only then can hospitals reopen, doctors resume their duties, and every citizen regain access to the quality healthcare they rightfully deserve.
“We have always stood by you, and today we call on you to stand with us — in unity, in solidarity, and in defence of humanity,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the Abuja chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors announced on Thursday that they would align with NARD’s nationwide indefinite strike, insisting that their own unresolved issues with the Federal Capital Territory Administration remain unaddressed.
This development follows NARD’s earlier notice issued last week, confirming that the nationwide indefinite strike would commence on Saturday, November 1, 2025.