The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Nigeria has declared and threatened a nationwide indefinite strike, set from midnight on 1 November 2025, over a number of long-standing demands.
The key issues they’re raising include:
- Unpaid salary arrears and allowances (they claim around ₦35–₦38 billion is owed across the health sector).
- Delay in payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and other training-related supports.
- Overworked doctors and staff shortages — they point out that many resident doctors are doing far beyond recommended hours.
- Recognition issues around post-graduate medical certificates and specialist allowances.
The federal government has responded: the Federal Ministry of Health said it will release about ₦11.995 billion in the next 72 hours to cover some of these arrears, and they also say ₦21.3 billion has been moved into the payroll system.
At the same time, the government says many demands are being addressed and that the strike should end.
Why this matters for healthcare in Nigeria
When a large number of resident doctors (who are trainee-specialists, working in tertiary hospitals) stop working, the ripple effects are significant.
1. Service disruption
Hospitals may have fewer doctors available to run wards, handle emergencies and specialist care. For example, during earlier warning strikes, many patients turned to private facilities because public ones were understaffed.
This means:
- Longer waiting times for patients
- Potentially less access to specialist care (surgery, intensive care)
- Overburdening of the remaining staff (nurses, consultants)
2. Impact on the most vulnerable
Public hospitals in Nigeria serve a large proportion of people who cannot afford private care. So when strikes happen, those on the lowest incomes may have fewer options.
Also, rural and regional facilities tend to be less well-resourced; the effect may be worse there.
3. Training & system capacity
Resident doctors are not just service providers—they’re also the future specialists. When their training, pay and conditions are unstable:
- The training may suffer, affecting future quality of care
- Staff burnout and migration (“brain-drain”) may worsen. NARD has highlighted how overstretch and under-reward push doctors out.
Thus, the strike speaks not just to immediate disruption but to longer-term health-system risk.
4. Public trust & morale
Frequent industrial actions can erode public confidence in the healthcare system. If people feel care is unreliable, they may delay seeking care, go to informal providers, or incur higher private costs.
Likewise, morale among staff can suffer, which can affect quality of care
What this means for everyday people
If you live in Nigeria (or are connected to someone who does), what should you know and what might you expect?
- If your attending facility is a public hospital, check ahead whether services are running as usual (especially elective surgery, specialist outpatient visits).
- In emergencies, hospitals often keep minimal staff, but still, delays may occur—so plan accordingly if you can (e.g., transport, costs).
- For non-urgent healthcare (check-ups, routine tests), you might consider postponing or exploring private alternatives if viable.
- Be aware of the possibility of being told services are limited; always ask about the status of your referral, test, or treatment.
- Longer-term: keep engaged in public discussion—healthcare system strength affects everyone, not just doctors.
The strike by NARD is a significant event in Nigeria’s health sector. On one hand it risks disrupting care for many people, especially those most dependent on public hospitals. On the other, it highlights serious structural challenges , pay, staffing, training and recognition that, if addressed, could lead to better long-term outcomes.
For the moment, it means a period of uncertainty. For the system, it may be a moment of change. What ultimately matters is how the government, medical professionals and the public navigate this — whether it becomes simply a temporary stoppage, or a catalyst for meaningful reform.