Resident Doctors Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Federal Government’s Broken MoU
Hussaini Ibrahim 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Nigeria’s resident doctors warn they may shut down medical services nationwide as the Federal Government fails to implement a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached after weeks of industrial action.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) issued the warning in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, titled “Urgent Appeal to Avert a Looming Nationwide NARD Strike (TICS 2.0)” and posted on X on Sunday.
Dr Ibrahim says the association stands on the brink of a “total and indefinite strike” following repeated breaches of timelines agreed with the Federal Ministry of Health. The MoU, signed on November 29, 2025, ends a 29-day nationwide strike after the government commits to resolving outstanding demands within four weeks. “No meaningful progress has been made 31 days after the signing of the MoU,” the statement says.
NARD explains that it exercises restraint by issuing a two-week ultimatum, extending it by 30 days, and granting an additional seven-day window, all without a formal response.
The association warns that renewed industrial action would cripple tertiary hospitals, where resident doctors form the backbone of service delivery. “Resident doctors remain overworked and increasingly demoralised by unfulfilled welfare agreements,” Dr Ibrahim says.
NARD calls on senior medical professionals and respected elders in the health sector to intervene and press the government to honour its commitments, warning that failure to act risks another nationwide healthcare crisis affecting millions of patients.
As of press time, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare does not respond to the warning.
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Korede Abdullah 
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