The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) is set to hold a decisive National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today, Wednesday, to determine whether or not to embark on a nationwide strike. The meeting follows the expiration of the 10-day ultimatum the doctors earlier issued to the Federal Government, demanding urgent action on their long-standing grievances.
NARD had warned that failure by the government to address its concerns within the stipulated period would leave members with no option but to withdraw their services across teaching and specialist hospitals nationwide. The association insists that it has exhausted all avenues of dialogue and can no longer continue working under conditions it describes as unfair and unsustainable.
The looming industrial action is expected to place further strain on Nigeria’s already fragile health sector, which continues to struggle with a shortage of medical personnel, decaying infrastructure, and overcrowded facilities. A strike by resident doctors, who make up the bulk of the medical workforce in federal and state teaching hospitals, could significantly paralyze healthcare delivery in the country.
In recent years, NARD has staged multiple strikes over unpaid salaries, delayed allowances, and the lack of essential working tools. The association maintains that many of its members face severe welfare challenges, including irregular payment of wages, poor hazard allowances, and unfavorable working conditions, which contribute to the mass exodus of doctors seeking better opportunities abroad.
Health experts and civil society groups have expressed concern that another strike could worsen the plight of ordinary Nigerians, especially those who depend on public hospitals for affordable medical care. They urge both the government and NARD to find a middle ground to avert a crisis that could cost lives.
Meanwhile, government officials have yet to issue a fresh response to the doctors’ ultimatum, though previous negotiations have often ended in promises that the association claims remain unfulfilled. The outcome of today’s NEC meeting is therefore expected to be crucial in shaping the next phase of the long-standing standoff between resident doctors and the authorities.
As the health sector braces for the decision, patients and their families are left anxious, fearing the potential collapse of services in hospitals should the strike be declared.
