Resident Doctors to Resume Indefinite Strike January 12 Over Unimplemented Agreements.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to resume an indefinite nationwide strike from Monday, January 12, citing the Federal Government’s failure to fully implement previously agreed resolutions aimed at improving doctors’ welfare and working conditions.

The decision was confirmed by the association’s president, Dr. Mohammed Suleiman, who said the move followed extensive consultations and congress meetings across NARD’s chapters nationwide. According to him, despite assurances and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government late last year, several key commitments remain unfulfilled.

Unimplemented Agreements at the Heart of the Dispute
NARD had suspended its last industrial action after reaching an agreement with government representatives, with the expectation that outlined demands would be implemented within a specified timeframe. However, the association says progress has been minimal, forcing its members back to industrial action.

Among the unresolved issues are the non-reinstatement of affected doctors in some federal teaching hospitals, unpaid salary and promotion arrears, and delays in implementing revised allowances and welfare packages. Resident doctors also continue to raise concerns about heavy workloads, inadequate staffing, and poor working conditions in public health facilities.

“No Implementation, No Going Back”

Dr. Suleiman emphasized that the planned strike would be total and indefinite, stressing that NARD would not suspend the action until all outstanding agreements are fully implemented. The association has described the move as a last resort after repeated attempts at dialogue failed to yield tangible results.
NARD has also directed its chapters across the country to commence sensitization and peaceful protests alongside the strike, warning that further actions may follow if the situation remains unresolved.

Impact on Healthcare Services
The resumption of the strike is expected to significantly affect healthcare delivery, particularly in tertiary hospitals, where resident doctors play a critical role in patient care, emergency services, and specialist training. Patients have once again been advised to seek alternative arrangements where possible, as public hospitals brace for disruptions.

Calls for Urgent Government Action
Health sector stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to urgently re-engage with resident doctors, warning that prolonged industrial action could worsen Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system. Analysts note that recurring strikes highlight deeper structural challenges in the sector, including funding gaps, workforce shortages, and policy implementation failures.

As January 12 approaches, all eyes remain on the government’s response, with hopes that last-minute interventions could avert another prolonged shutdown of hospital services nationwide.

Olotu Esenuifo