Resident doctors at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto have announced their full support for a nationwide, indefinite strike scheduled to commence on January 12, 2026. The decision follows a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, where members reviewed the status of agreements with the Federal Government.
The meeting revealed persistent failures by the government to fulfill commitments related to resident doctors’ welfare, training, and remuneration. Unresolved issues include the non-reinstatement of disengaged resident doctors, unpaid promotion and salary arrears, and partial implementation of the Professional Allowance Table. Other concerns include delays in issuing postgraduate training certificates, deteriorating infrastructure in tertiary hospitals, and obsolete medical equipment.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors is demanding immediate reinstatement of affected doctors, full settlement of outstanding arrears, and complete implementation of approved allowances. The association is also seeking urgent intervention to improve facilities in teaching and specialist hospitals across the country. With the government failing to demonstrate commitment, the council resolved to commence a total and indefinite withdrawal of services from January 12.
The President of the Association of Resident Doctors, UDUTH chapter, described the decision as “difficult but unavoidable,” warning that continued neglect of agreements undermines both doctors’ welfare and public healthcare delivery. The chapter’s General Secretary urged the Federal Government to act swiftly in the interest of the Nigerian populace and the healthcare system.
The strike will affect 91 tertiary institutions nationwide, with resident doctors withdrawing their services from January 12. State and national leaders have been mandated to begin coordinated peaceful protests on the same date. The development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including inadequate funding, infrastructure, and human resources. The strike is expected to have significant implications for healthcare delivery in the country, emphasizing the need for urgent attention to the concerns of resident doctors.
