The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced a nationwide warning strike, set to commence on Friday, September 12, 2025. The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) chapter of NARD will participate in the strike, as directed by the national secretariat.
According to Dr. M.O. Awodun, President of the UITH chapter, the decision to join the strike is conditional on the Federal government’s response to the association’s demands. Currently, only the Abuja chapter of NARD is on strike, which began on Monday. The Abuja national secretariat held an e-NEC meeting on Wednesday, where members unanimously agreed to embark on a 5-day warning strike if their demands are not met.
The strike aims to address pressing issues, including poor working conditions, power shortages, downgrading of certificates, and inadequate remuneration. The national secretariat has instructed all chapters to inform their hospital management and continue to press for the association’s collective demands. By shutting down public hospitals, NARD seeks to bring attention to these grievances and prompt action from the government.
The General-Secretary of the association, Agbor Affiong, confirmed the 5-day warning strike in a statement on Thursday, emphasizing the need for improved working conditions. The Federal Capital Territory Administration’s chapter of NARD initiated the strike on Monday, setting the stage for the nationwide action.
As the strike approaches, the healthcare sector is likely to experience significant disruptions. The Nigerian government’s response to NARD’s demands will be crucial in determining the outcome of the strike. With public hospitals potentially shutting down, the government faces increasing pressure to address the long-standing issues affecting the healthcare system. The strike’s impact on patients and the broader healthcare sector will be closely monitored in the coming days.
