NARD Declares Indefinite Nationwide Strike Starting April 7 Over Unresolved Demands
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a total and indefinite nationwide strike commencing at midnight on Tuesday, April 7, citing what it described as persistent government inaction and worsening working conditions in Nigeria’s public health sector.
The decision was reached following what the association said were failed efforts to secure the implementation of long-standing agreements with the Federal Government. According to the doctors’ body, repeated delays and unmet commitments have made industrial action unavoidable.
In its notice to members across the country, NARD stated that the strike became necessary due to what it called the government’s continued “provocation” and inability to address critical issues affecting healthcare delivery and the welfare of resident doctors.
Resident doctors are central to the operations of public hospitals in Nigeria, particularly in teaching hospitals where they provide a significant portion of clinical services, including emergency care, surgery support, and inpatient management. The strike is expected to disrupt healthcare services nationwide if fully implemented.
Although the association did not outline every outstanding demand in its latest statement, previous disputes between NARD and the Federal Government have included issues such as salary arrears, hazard allowances, poor hospital infrastructure, staff shortages, and broader concerns about the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Federal Government is yet to issue an official response to the announcement at the time of filing this report.
The development adds to ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s health sector, which has experienced repeated industrial actions in recent years over welfare and funding disagreements.
If no resolution is reached before the deadline, patients across public hospitals may face significant disruptions in access to medical care as the nationwide strike takes effect.
