The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has appealed to senior medical professionals to intervene in ongoing disputes with the Federal Government to prevent an impending nationwide strike.
In a statement issued after an emergency meeting, NARD said the government has failed to fulfill several agreements, including payment of salary arrears, improved working conditions, and upward review of the Medical Residency Training Fund. The doctors warned that continued neglect may leave them with no choice but to down tools.
Dr. Dele Abdullahi, NARD President, said the association has shown enough patience but the government’s silence is pushing them toward industrial action. “We urge respected medical elders, stakeholders, and professional bodies to step in quickly. We don’t want to go on strike, but the conditions are becoming unbearable,” he said.
The doctors expressed frustration over poor facilities, brain drain, and inconsistent salary structures that threaten Nigeria’s healthcare system. According to them, many doctors are leaving the country in search of better opportunities abroad.
NARD also demanded the immediate implementation of agreements reached in previous negotiations and warned that failure to act could lead to a total collapse of services in government hospitals.
Medical stakeholders and the general public have urged both parties to prioritize dialogue. With rising health demands during the holiday season, many fear a strike could further strain the country’s fragile healthcare system. NARD, however, said it remains open to peaceful resolution—if taken seriously.
