){kind=link}
Public hospitals across the country may witness major service disruptions as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared an indefinite nationwide strike beginning on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
The association’s decision followed a five-hour emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, where members voted unanimously to embark on a full-scale industrial action over what they described as the Federal Government’s unsatisfactory response to their 30-day ultimatum.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, announced the decision in a statement posted on his X handle on Sunday.
He said the National Officers Committee had implemented the mandate given by members across the country and would now enforce the NEC directive.
“The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a TOTAL, COMPREHENSIVE AND INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION to commence on Friday 31st October 2025 at 11:59pm,” Suleiman stated.
He stressed that the association would fully comply with the directive.
“We have reported to NEC and NEC has decided. The NOC will carry out this directive to its latter and in full compliance,” he said.
According to Suleiman, the NEC has also issued fresh guidelines to ensure effective monitoring of the strike and compliance across all centres. The resolutions include the implementation of “no work, no pay” and “no pay, no work” principles, as well as operational rules for hospitals nationwide.
He explained that each branch of the association was expected to convene an emergency congress meeting to brief members on the resolutions before the industrial action begins, to ensure uniform implementation and prevent sabotage.
The NARD president alleged that certain groups were working against the welfare of young doctors in the country.
“Some elements in the Government (and non-Governmental) have very evil and exploitative plans for Resident Doctors in this country. We shall collectively resist it,” he said.
Suleiman urged doctors to properly hand over patients and intensify public sensitisation before the strike commences.
He said members were expected to conclude all necessary preparations, including handover of inpatients, engagement with traditional and religious leaders, media enlightenment, and mobilisation at local branches.
“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, engage with your leaders and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” he added.