The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has declared a total, comprehensive, and indefinite nationwide strike, effective 11:59 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, following what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to meet its long-standing demands.
The announcement, made by Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, NARD President, came after a five-hour emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, where members voted unanimously to commence the industrial action.
Dr. Suleiman, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, said the association’s National Officers Committee (NOC) had executed all directives given by doctors across the country and would now enforce the NEC’s latest resolution.
“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.
“We have reported to NEC and NEC has decided. The NOC will carry out this directive to its latter and in full compliance.”
The association accused some government elements of working against the welfare and rights of young doctors in Nigeria.
“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,” Suleiman stated.
The NEC has also issued new operational guidelines to ensure uniform strike compliance across all states. Each hospital branch has been directed to hold emergency congress meetings to brief members and prepare for the shutdown.
Before the strike takes effect, members are required to handover inpatients, engage traditional and religious leaders, and sensitise the public and media on the reasons for their action.
Dr. Suleiman encouraged doctors to remain united and resilient, assuring that their struggle would yield results.
“Trust the process, believe in your leaders, engage with your leaders and remain resolute. Victory is certain,” he said.