Public hospitals across Nigeria may experience major disruptions from August 10, 2026, after the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) declared an indefinite nationwide strike over unresolved welfare issues and what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to honour previous agreements.
The decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), where members expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s response to demands relating to doctors’ welfare, outstanding allowances and working conditions.
Public Hospitals May Be Affected Nationwide
If the strike proceeds as scheduled, resident doctors are expected to withdraw services from public teaching hospitals and federal medical centres across the country, potentially affecting outpatient clinics, surgeries and emergency services.
Resident doctors constitute a significant proportion of Nigeria’s workforce in public tertiary hospitals, making industrial actions by the association capable of disrupting healthcare delivery nationwide.
Doctors Cite Unresolved Welfare Issues
NARD said the planned strike follows the government’s failure to fully address longstanding demands, including:
- Outstanding salary and allowance-related issues.
- Payment of arrears.
- Improved welfare and working conditions.
- Other agreements previously reached with the Federal Government.
The association warned that unless urgent action is taken, members would commence an indefinite withdrawal of services beginning August 10.
Fresh Concern for Healthcare Services
The planned industrial action has raised concerns among patients and healthcare stakeholders, coming amid persistent pressure on Nigeria’s public health system.
Previous nationwide strikes by resident doctors have led to the postponement of surgeries, delayed consultations and increased pressure on consultants and other health workers.