Public hospitals across Nigeria were thrown into disarray on Friday as members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) embarked on a five-day warning strike, leaving millions of patients stranded.
NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, confirmed the industrial action in a statement released via the association’s X (formerly Twitter) handle, following the expiration of an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government on September 10.
“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors hereby notifies all members that the five-day warning strike has commenced today, in line with our NEC decision,” Odunbaku said. “We urge every member across all centres to comply fully with this directive. This action is aimed at pressing home our demands for better welfare, improved working conditions, and a stronger healthcare system for Nigerians.”
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundare, earlier told Daily Post that the doctors’ grievances include poor remuneration, power shortages in hospitals, downgrading of medical certificates, and inadequate working conditions.
The strike coincides with an ongoing seven-day work stoppage by the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration, which began on Monday, deepening concerns over healthcare access across the country.
Health observers warn that the simultaneous strikes could severely disrupt critical medical services, especially in rural and under-resourced areas where public hospitals remain the primary source of care.