Nigerian resident doctors launch five-day warning strike over unpaid allowances, salary arrears, and welfare issues nationwide.
In a major development in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially commenced a five-day warning strike today. This action follows the expiration of a fresh ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unpaid allowances, delayed salary arrears, and unresolved welfare concerns affecting medical professionals nationwide.
According to NARD, the strike is aimed at compelling the government to address long-standing issues surrounding doctors’ welfare, including hazard allowances, residency training funds, and the urgent recruitment of more healthcare personnel to reduce the burden on existing staff.
The association emphasized that despite multiple negotiations and reminders, the government has failed to fulfill agreements reached in previous meetings, leaving critical welfare matters unresolved. The strike is expected to disrupt healthcare services across public hospitals, particularly in teaching hospitals and federal medical centers, where resident doctors form the backbone of clinical services.
Public health observers warn that the industrial action could further strain Nigeria’s already challenged healthcare system, urging both parties to return to the negotiating table for a lasting solution.