The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to begin on August 10, 2026, citing the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with the association and address long-standing welfare and workplace concerns.
The decision was reached at the end of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and Annual National Scientific Conference held in Gombe State on Thursday.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammed Usman Suleiman, said the industrial action became necessary because several issues affecting resident doctors across the country remain unresolved despite repeated engagements with the government.
According to him, doctors continue to face poor welfare conditions, unpaid allowances, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, denial of professional entitlements, and cases of intimidation, harassment and physical assaults in some federal health institutions.
“The strike is unavoidable due to circumstances beyond the control of the association. Our members can no longer continue to work under conditions that undermine their welfare, safety and professional dignity,” Suleiman said.
He urged the Federal Government to urgently meet the association’s demands before the planned commencement of the strike to prevent further disruption to healthcare services across the country.
The NARD president stressed that the association had held several meetings with relevant government authorities in an effort to resolve the issues, but most of the concerns raised by members have remained unattended to.
This year’s conference, themed “Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Resident Doctors at the Forefront,” brought together resident doctors from different parts of Nigeria to discuss strategies for improving the country’s healthcare system and enhancing the welfare of medical professionals.
The event was hosted by the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, Prof. Yusuf Mohammed Abdullahi.
If no agreement is reached before the deadline, the planned industrial action is expected to affect medical services in government-owned hospitals nationwide from August 10.
Source: Communiqué issued by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
