The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has clarified that its ongoing nationwide strike is not targeted at Nigerians but is a fight for the survival of doctors, patients, and the country’s collapsing healthcare system.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, NARD dismisses the claim made by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, that the government remains committed to doctors’ welfare.
NARD mentioned that the ministry’s statement does not reflect the realities faced by healthcare workers nationwide.
“This strike is not against the people. It is for the survival of our doctors, our patients, and Nigeria’s healthcare system,” the association stated. “We seek a country where healthcare workers are valued, hospitals are functional, and patients receive quality care.”
NARD further revealed that it has submitted 19 unresolved demands to the federal government, which it described as the “minimum requirements” for a sustainable healthcare system and a dignified medical profession in Nigeria.
According to NARD, the key issues include, unpaid arrears and allowances spanning five years, delayed promotions and salary shortfalls caused by IPPIS irregularities and poor recruitment and retention policies fueling the mass exodus of doctors abroad.
While acknowledging the release of funds for the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), NARD stressed that the MRTF was a statutory right, not a privilege, and called for consistent and transparent disbursement.
The association also demanded the reinstatement of two doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, who were allegedly dismissed unjustly.
It accused the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) of demoralizing resident doctors through its recent re-categorization of postgraduate certificates.
NARD also urged the government to fix persistent irregularities such as unpaid salaries, denial of specialist allowances, and unsafe working conditions. It also called for pension reforms that reflect the unique risks doctors face.
Reiterating its openness to dialogue, the association emphasized that “industrial peace cannot be achieved through press statements but through sincerity, justice, and fulfilled promises. Our struggle transcends money; it is about dignity, safety, and survival,” NARD said.
The indefinite strike, which began on November 1, 2025, has disrupted medical services in several federal and state-owned hospitals.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, apologized to Nigerians for the disruption and revealed that President Bola Tinubu has directed the ministry to take immediate steps to ensure doctors return to work.
“The President has instructed us to do everything possible and legitimate to ensure resident doctors resume duty soon,” Dr. Salako said.
He added that the federal government would continue to engage NARD and other unions through the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) framework, inaugurated in August 2025, to address wage and welfare concerns.
Salako reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to reaching a fair and lasting resolution to the crisis.
