Nigerian doctors Announce Indefinite Nationwide Strike Beginning october 31st
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A nationwide strike by Nigerian resident doctors is set to begin on October 31st, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., potentially crippling the nation’s healthcare system. The decision follows a five-hour emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and comes after a 30-day ultimatum to the Federal Government expired.
The strike was authorized after the NEC deemed the government unresponsive to the doctors’ demands. According to a statement released on Sunday, the NEC unanimously directed a “total, thorough and indefinite” strike action. A senior official stated, “Today, after a five-hour extraordinary national executive council meeting, the members of NEC issued new marching orders to us onc again.” The National officers Committee (NOC) has been tasked with full implementation of the directive.
Key Demands Fueling the Labor Action
NARD is pressing the Federal Government to address several critical issues. These include the full payment of outstanding salary arrears, the fulfillment of promotion entitlements, and the reinstatement of colleagues who have been dismissed. The doctors are also seeking resolutions regarding “no work no pay/no pay no work” policies, and have outlined specific strike monitoring directives.
Preparations Underway for Nationwide Disruption
In the four days leading up to the strike,NARD is instructing its members to prepare for a complete withdrawal of services. Center presidents and general secretaries have been directed to convene emergency meetings to inform members of the details. The association is also urging members to facilitate the safe handover of patients, engage with community and religious leaders, and seek public support. A spokesperson for NARD pledged to resist what they described as “very evil and exploitative plans” by governmental and non-governmental entities.
Background: 45th Annual General meeting
The current crisis stems from unresolved issues raised during NARD’s 45th annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, held in Katsina State from September 21 to 26, 2025. The 30-day ultimatum issued at that time expired without a satisfactory response from the federal Government, ultimately leading to the NEC’s decision to authorize the strike.
The implications of this strike are significant,potentially overwhelming an already strained healthcare infrastructure. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the October 31st deadline approaches.
Why: The strike is occurring due to the Nigerian Federal Government’s failure to address the demands of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD). These demands include the full payment of salary arrears, fulfillment of promotion entitlements, reinstatement of dismissed colleagues, and resolution of “no work no pay” policies.
Who: The strike involves the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and its members, impacting the Nigerian Federal Government and the nigerian public who rely on the healthcare system.
What: NARD has authorized a “total, comprehensive and indefinite” nationwide strike beginning October 31st, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. This involves a complete withdrawal of services by resident doctors across the country.
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