The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially begun an indefinite strike to press home its long-standing demands to the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on Saturday via the association’s official account, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the commencement of the strike, noting that the decision followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum earlier issued to the government.

Dr. Suleiman explained that the strike had become unavoidable due to the government’s consistent failure to implement previous agreements and fulfil promises made after several rounds of negotiations.

“We wish to address Nigerians at this critical moment as we embark on a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike — a decision that was not taken lightly,” Suleiman said. “We are deeply aware of the pain and inconvenience this will cause, but our demands are neither selfish nor politically motivated. They are rooted in the urgent need to save Nigeria’s collapsing health system.”

The NARD president emphasized that the association’s demands focus on fair remuneration, payment of arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and the provision of essential medical infrastructure — all of which, he said, directly affect the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.

“A doctor who is overworked, underpaid, and mentally drained cannot provide safe and effective care,” he said. “We fight not for personal benefit, but for a system that empowers doctors to deliver compassionate and competent healthcare.”

Suleiman urged Nigerians to support the doctors’ struggle, describing it as a fight for a sustainable healthcare system rather than a confrontation with the government.

“We call on all Nigerians — our patients, civil society groups, labour unions, and religious and traditional leaders — to join us in urging the government to act responsibly,” he said. “This is not a battle between doctors and the government; it is a collective struggle for a humane and functional healthcare system.”

He added that NARD’s goal is to rebuild a system that values both healthcare workers and patients, appealing to the government to promptly address their grievances so hospitals can reopen and doctors can return to duty.

Meanwhile, resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have announced that they will join the nationwide strike over unresolved issues specific to the FCT Administration.

NARD had earlier announced plans to commence the industrial action on Saturday, November 1, 2025, following the lapse of its strike notice.