The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has launched a nationwide warning strike, starting Friday morning, after the federal government failed to meet the union’s demands within its stated deadline.

NARD said it issued a 10-day ultimatum that expired on Wednesday night and granted a further 24 hours following assurances from officials.

According to the association’s president, Zenith Osundare, the minimum conditions were still not met at the end of the extension, prompting the action approved by the union’s National Executive Council.

Resident doctors, who make up a large share of Nigeria’s hospital workforce, want immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and settlement of outstanding allowances. 

The union says five months’ arrears tied to the 25–35 percent review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure remain unpaid, and that the 2024 accoutrement allowance is also outstanding.

The doctors are additionally protesting decisions by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, which they say downgraded membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons. 

They also fault the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria for delays in issuing certificates to successful candidates.

NARD framed the strike as a last resort after repeated engagements, warning that sustained non-payment and professional bottlenecks are undermining training, morale, and service delivery.

Hospitals nationwide are expected to scale down services while the action lasts, with the union urging government to address the issues promptly to restore full operations.