Resident Doctors Issue August 10 Strike Deadline, Threaten Nationwide Shutdown of Federal Hospitals

Healthcare services across Nigeria’s federal hospitals could face major disruption as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike from August 10, 2026, if the Federal Government fails to meet its outstanding demands.

The decision followed the association’s Ordinary General Meeting held in Gombe, where members reviewed previous agreements with the government and expressed dissatisfaction over what they described as persistent delays in implementing key welfare commitments.

In a joint statement issued after the meeting, the association said its National Executive Council had approved a total industrial action if the unresolved issues remain unattended.

“The National Executive Council resolved to embark on a total and comprehensive industrial strike commencing at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, 10th August 2026, should the Federal Government fail to satisfactorily address the outstanding issues,” the statement read.

Among the doctors’ key demands are the immediate payment of outstanding salary adjustments and 19 months of unpaid professional allowances. They also want the government to conclude negotiations on a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement that would improve the welfare of healthcare workers, including newly inducted house officers.

The association further called for improved hospital infrastructure nationwide, recruitment of additional medical personnel to reduce workload and burnout, and stronger security measures to protect healthcare workers from attacks while carrying out their duties.

Despite issuing the strike notice, NARD said it remains open to dialogue, stressing that meaningful engagement with the government could still prevent the planned industrial action.

“The NEC reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and dialogue but reiterated that the welfare of resident doctors and the survival of Nigeria’s healthcare system remain non-negotiable,” the association stated.

The doctors also raised concerns about developments at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), alleging that hospital management has subjected resident doctors to intimidation and failed to provide meals for medical personnel working long on-call shifts. The association urged the Federal Government to resolve the situation before the strike deadline.

If no agreement is reached before August 10, the nationwide strike is expected to significantly disrupt healthcare delivery in federal medical institutions, where resident doctors provide a substantial share of frontline medical services.