Nigeria’s resident doctors will commence a total and indefinite nationwide strike beginning midnight Friday, October 31, 2025, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced on Sunday, citing government inaction on longstanding welfare demands and warning of dire consequences for the country’s overstretched public health system.

The decision followed a marathon National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, where NARD President Dr. Muhammad Suleiman said the strike was triggered by the federal government’s failure to act on a 30-day ultimatum issued in September. “The NEC unanimously directed a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike,” Suleiman stated, accusing unnamed officials of “exploitative plans” against medical professionals.

The industrial action is expected to paralyze public hospitals that serve over 80% of Nigerians, echoing the crippling three-month strike in 2023 that cost the economy an estimated ₦1 trillion in lost productivity. NARD is demanding salary adjustments, payment of hazard allowances, and settlement of post-COVID-19 arrears. The group also cited unresolved issues from the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement and persistent salary delays.

“All members are to hand over patients and mobilize public support,” Suleiman said, urging unity across chapters and warning of “dire consequences” if the government fails to respond.

In response, the Federal Ministry of Health expressed regret over the strike threat but described the doctors’ demands as “unrealistic.” 

However, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) backed NARD’s position, decrying chronic underfunding. Civil society groups have also raised concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.