The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has appealed to Nigerians for support as its members embark on a nationwide indefinite strike, describing the action as a “painful but necessary step” to salvage the country’s faltering healthcare system.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the association said the industrial action follows the Federal Government’s repeated failure to honour agreements reached with the union, despite multiple rounds of dialogue, appeals, and ultimatums.
Suleiman emphasised that the strike is not driven by personal interests or political considerations but is motivated by a patriotic aim to protect the health of all Nigerians. He outlined that the union’s demands focus on fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and provision of essential medical infrastructure—factors that directly impact the quality of healthcare nationwide.
According to the NARD President, resident doctors continue to contend with overwhelming workloads, poor pay, and burnout, all of which compromise patient care.
“A resident doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally exhausted cannot offer optimal care to the patient who needs them most,” he stated.
The association stressed that the strike should not be viewed as a confrontation with the government, but as a collective effort to establish a “functional, just, and humane healthcare system” that values both doctors and patients.
Suleiman urged civil society, labour unions, religious and traditional leaders, and the general public to stand in solidarity with NARD and press the government to honour its commitments.
“This is not a fight between resident doctors and the government; it is a struggle for a system that allows doctors to attend to patients with a clear mind, a motivated spirit, and access to the tools needed to save lives,” the statement read.
He further appealed for public understanding and support, stressing that the association’s goal is to secure a future where every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare within the country.
“We always stand with you, and now we ask you to stand with us in solidarity and service to humanity,” Suleiman added.
Strike Covers 91 Medical Centres Nationwide
The strike, which commenced at 12:00 a.m. on Saturday, spans 91 medical centres, including teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, and specialist institutions.
In an earlier interview with The Guardian, Suleiman explained that NARD has Chief Residents of Departments and Centre Presidents coordinating and communicating nationwide issues across the 91 centres.
He also stated that approximately 11,000 resident doctors have been mobilised to participate in the industrial action.
The association said the strike aims to address persistent challenges such as inadequate remuneration, unpaid allowances, shortage of staff, and poor working conditions in hospitals.
