By John Umeh
Nigeria’s fragile health system is once again bracing for disruption as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) convenes its crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting today to decide whether to embark on a nationwide strike.
The meeting comes at the expiration of a 10-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unmet demands relating to unpaid allowances, welfare packages, and systemic reforms. For many Nigerians who depend on public hospitals, the doctors’ decision could determine whether healthcare services remain available in the coming weeks.
A Long List of Unmet Demands
At the heart of the dispute is a backlog of financial commitments and policy promises. In a communiqué released earlier this month, NARD outlined a series of grievances, including:
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Immediate disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
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Payment of five months’ arrears from the reviewed Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).
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Clearance of long-standing salary backlogs across federal and state-owned hospitals.
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Settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
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Release of specialist allowances and recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates.
Beyond financial entitlements, NARD has also raised concerns about welfare conditions in certain states, particularly Kaduna, as well as unresolved issues affecting resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said the NEC would make its final decision after reviewing whether the government has made any genuine progress in addressing these concerns. “If there is a tangible response, it will guide our decision. If not, the council may have no choice but to consider industrial action,” he explained.
Tension Between Dialogue and Action
Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of Nigeria’s medical workforce in teaching and specialist hospitals, have a history of resorting to strikes as leverage. Previous shutdowns have left patients stranded, surgeries postponed, and critical care services disrupted, with lasting consequences for public health.
This time, the doctors argue they have shown patience. According to NARD’s First Vice-President, Dr. Tajudeen Abdulrauf, the government has been given multiple opportunities to act. “We issued an ultimatum in July, extended it in the spirit of dialogue, and engaged stakeholders for weeks. Yet nothing has changed. If these issues remain unresolved, we cannot guarantee industrial peace,” he warned.
The possibility of another strike has alarmed health experts, who note that Nigeria is already grappling with doctor shortages due to mass emigration. Many young doctors have relocated abroad in search of better pay and working conditions, leaving public hospitals understaffed and overstretched.
Patients Bear the Burden
For ordinary Nigerians, the looming strike poses a serious threat. Public hospitals, where most residents seek care, depend heavily on resident doctors. A walkout would likely paralyze services ranging from maternity care to emergency surgery, forcing patients into expensive private hospitals or leaving them untreated.
Health rights advocates caution that repeated industrial disputes erode public trust in the healthcare system and deepen inequalities. “Strikes always hurt the poorest the most,” said one civil society health advocate in Abuja. “When hospitals shut down, the wealthy can turn to private facilities, but the poor have nowhere to go.”
Government Response and the Road Ahead
So far, government officials have promised to look into the demands but have yet to announce concrete measures. Analysts warn that failure to address the doctors’ concerns could ignite another prolonged shutdown at a time when Nigeria’s health sector is already overstretched by rising cases of infectious diseases and overcrowded facilities.
Observers are also urging both parties to prioritize negotiation over confrontation. Medical associations and elder statesmen within the profession have called on the government to urgently release funds and address welfare issues to prevent escalation.
As the NEC meeting kicks off today, the future of healthcare services in Nigeria hangs in the balance. The outcome will not only determine whether NARD proceeds with industrial action but could also set the tone for broader reforms in the health sector.
For millions of Nigerians waiting anxiously, the hope is that dialogue prevails over disruption — and that the country’s healthcare system can avoid another crippling strike.
