Resident Doctors Strike: Hospitals Shut Down Nationwide as NARD Begins 5-Day Warning Strike
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 13,2025
Hospitals across Nigeria have been shut down as the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) commenced a five-day nationwide warning strike to demand improved welfare and better working conditions.
NARD Secretary-General, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, confirmed the development in a statement issued Friday via the association’s official X account, noting that the strike followed the expiration of an ultimatum given to the federal government on September 10, 2025.
The statement read:
“The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors hereby notifies all members that the five-day warning strike has commenced today, in line with our NEC decision. We urge every member across all centres to comply fully with this directive. This action is aimed at pressing home our demands for better welfare, improved working conditions, and a stronger healthcare system for Nigerians.”
The industrial action has left millions of Nigerians stranded, as public hospitals nationwide suspend services.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundare, earlier explained that the strike was triggered by unresolved issues including poor working conditions, epileptic power supply in hospitals, poor remuneration, and the downgrading of medical certificates.
The development also coincides with an ongoing seven-day strike by the Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), which began on Monday, further compounding Nigeria’s healthcare crisis.
