The formal announcement was delivered by Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the President of NARD, following an exhaustive five-hour emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened on Saturday. During this pivotal gathering, members of the council engaged in intense deliberations, ultimately reaching a unanimous vote in favor of initiating the strike. This unity in resolution reflects the gravity of the situation and the collective exasperation felt by doctors across the nation. Dr. Suleiman's declaration was not made lightly; it followed a thorough review of the association's efforts to engage with authorities and the apparent lack of tangible progress.
In a detailed statement shared via his official X handle on Sunday, Dr. Suleiman elaborated on the procedural steps leading to this point. He explained that the National Officers Committee (NOC), the executive arm responsible for implementing directives from the broader membership, had meticulously carried out all instructions issued by doctors nationwide. With the NEC's latest mandate now in hand, the NOC is poised to enforce the strike with unwavering commitment. "The NEC has unanimously directed us to declare a TOTAL, COMPREHENSIVE AND INDEFINITE STRIKE ACTION to commence on Friday 31st October 2025 at 11:59pm," Dr. Suleiman wrote. He further emphasized the binding nature of this decision: "We have reported to NEC and NEC has decided. The NOC will carry out this directive to its letter and in full compliance." This language conveys not only the finality of the action but also the structured governance within NARD, where decisions are democratic and enforceable.
At the heart of NARD's grievances is a profound sense of betrayal and neglect by the Federal Government. The association has long advocated for improvements in working conditions, salary structures, and overall welfare for resident doctors, who often bear the brunt of Nigeria's overburdened public health sector. Despite previous negotiations, warnings, and partial strikes in the past, these demands remain unmet, prompting accusations of deliberate inaction. Dr. Suleiman pointedly accused certain elements within the government—and even non-governmental entities—of harboring "very evil and exploitative plans" targeted specifically at young doctors. "Some elements in the Government (and non-Governmental) have very evil and exploitative plans for Resident Doctors in this country. We shall collectively resist it," he asserted. This rhetoric signals a broader battle, framing the strike not merely as a labor dispute but as a defense against systemic exploitation that threatens the future of medical practice in Nigeria.
To ensure the strike's effectiveness and uniformity across the country, the NEC has rolled out comprehensive new operational guidelines. These protocols are designed to coordinate actions at the grassroots level, minimizing disruptions while maximizing impact. Every hospital branch affiliated with NARD has been instructed to convene emergency congress meetings without delay. The purpose of these local gatherings is twofold: to fully brief members on the impending action and to strategize preparations for a complete operational shutdown. This decentralized yet synchronized approach aims to create a seamless nationwide front, preventing any weak links that could undermine the strike's potency.
In the lead-up to the strike's official start, NARD members are mandated to follow a series of preparatory steps to mitigate immediate risks to patient care and to build public support. Doctors are required to systematically handover all inpatients to alternative care providers, ensuring continuity for those in critical condition. Additionally, they must engage with traditional and religious leaders— influential figures in Nigerian communities—who can help amplify the doctors' message and garner sympathy from the populace. Public sensitization campaigns are also a key component, involving direct outreach to the media to explain the rationale behind the strike. By proactively communicating the reasons—ranging from unpaid allowances and poor infrastructure to hazardous working environments—NARD hopes to frame the action as a necessary stand for the greater good of healthcare, rather than an selfish interruption.
Dr. Suleiman's message to his colleagues was one of encouragement and solidarity, urging them to stay the course amid what promises to be a challenging period. He called for unity and resilience, reassuring members that their concerted efforts would eventually bear fruit. "Trust the process, believe in your leaders, engage with your leaders and remain resolute. Victory is certain," he proclaimed. This inspirational tone is intended to bolster morale, especially as the strike could extend indefinitely, potentially straining personal finances and professional relationships. It also reflects NARD's confidence in its bargaining position, bolstered by past successes where industrial actions have forced governmental concessions.
The implications of this strike are far-reaching, extending beyond the immediate parties involved. Nigeria's public hospitals, already grappling with resource shortages, equipment failures, and a brain drain of medical professionals, could face severe operational challenges. Emergency services might be curtailed, elective procedures postponed, and outpatient clinics shuttered, placing additional pressure on an already fragile system. Patients, particularly those from low-income backgrounds who rely on public facilities, stand to suffer the most, underscoring the tragic irony of a healthcare workers' protest that inadvertently harms the vulnerable it aims to serve.
Historically, NARD has resorted to strikes multiple times to press for reforms, with varying degrees of success. Previous actions have led to partial victories, such as salary adjustments or promises of better funding, but implementation has often been sluggish or incomplete. This indefinite strike, however, marks an escalation, signaling that the association is prepared for a prolonged standoff. It comes at a time when Nigeria faces broader economic pressures, including inflation and currency devaluation, which exacerbate the doctors' demands for fair compensation.
Government response remains to be seen, but the announcement has likely prompted urgent behind-the-scenes discussions. Officials may attempt last-minute negotiations to avert the shutdown, though NARD's firm stance suggests limited room for compromise without concrete commitments. The involvement of non-governmental elements, as alluded to by Dr. Suleiman, adds another layer of complexity, hinting at possible influences from private healthcare sectors or policy think tanks that could favor deregulation or cost-cutting measures detrimental to public doctors.
In essence, this strike represents a critical juncture for Nigeria's healthcare landscape. It is a clarion call for systemic overhaul, demanding that the government prioritize the welfare of those who safeguard public health. As the clock ticks toward October 31, 2025, the nation watches with bated breath, hopeful that dialogue will prevail but prepared for the disruptions ahead. NARD's unified front, guided by clear leadership and strategic planning, positions it strongly to advocate for change. Whether this action culminates in victory, as Dr. Suleiman predicts, will depend on the resilience of the doctors, the responsiveness of the authorities, and the support of the Nigerian public. For now, the message is clear: the exploitation must end, and the fight for dignity in the medical profession continues unabated.
