The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike, shutting down public hospitals across the country from Friday.

The action follows the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum the association issued to the Federal Government to meet its outstanding demands. This ultimatum came after an earlier 10-day notice, which lapsed on September 10 without resolution.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundare, confirmed the development on Friday morning, stating that the strike became inevitable after the government failed to meet the association’s minimum demands.

“Unfortunately, the minimum demands were not met within the given 24-hour period, and the strike commenced this morning as directed by the NEC of the association,” Osundare said in a statement.

The doctors are demanding immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, as well as the clearance of salary backlogs.

Other demands include payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all deserving candidates.

The association is also insisting on the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and urgent attention to the plight of resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Dr. Osundare acknowledged that the Federal Government had made promises to address their concerns but stressed that resident doctors would only suspend their strike once concrete action was taken.

“We will review after the Federal Government has done the needful,” he added.

Resident doctors, who make up the bulk of the workforce in Nigeria’s teaching and specialist hospitals, have repeatedly downed tools in recent years over poor welfare, unpaid wages, and unfavourable working conditions—paralysing healthcare services across the country.