The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Saturday, 25 October, 2025 declared a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike scheduled to commence at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, 31 October, 2025.
The declaration followed a five-hour extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held Sunday, 19 October, 2025, where the council resolved that the Federal Government had failed to meet the association’s demands despite a 30-day ultimatum issued last month.
The NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, in a statement issued on Saturday, 25 October, 2025, said the National Officers Committee had executed its mandate “with grace and confidence” but was left with no choice than to proceed with the industrial action.
“The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike action to commence on Friday, 31st October 2025, at 11:59 p.m.,” Suleiman stated, just as he also added that the council had outlined the minimum demands, strike monitoring directives, and modalities to ensure full compliance by members nationwide.
Suleiman also directed all centre presidents and general secretaries to convene emergency congress meetings to brief members on the resolutions reached.
The NARD President also accused some individuals in and outside government of harbouring “exploitative plans” against resident doctors, adding that the union would collectively resist such moves.
According to him, members have been urged to use the days leading up to the strike to hand over patients, engage traditional and religious leaders, and sensitise the public and media on the reasons for their action.
“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” he said.
The NARD President, who added that a communiqué and press conference detailing the association’s demands and decisions would be made available soon, also reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to act strictly under the directive of the National Executive Council.
