Korede Abdullah 
Doctors strike
LAGOS, Nigeria – Resident doctors in Lagos State have joined the ongoing five-day warning strike declared by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.
NARD accused the Federal Government of failing to implement agreements, including five months of unpaid salary arrears, hazard allowances, and the Medical Residency Training Fund.
“Despite repeated extensions, the Federal Government has still failed to address critical welfare issues,” said NARD Secretary-General Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku.
The strike followed the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum, a 10-day extension, and a final 24-hour grace period that ended on 11 September 2025.
Africa Health Report (AHR) confirmed full compliance at major Lagos hospitals, including the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, and the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi.
The association warned that the strike would strain Nigeria’s fragile health system, leaving patients stranded in overstretched hospitals.
Resident doctors, who provide most clinical services, said industrial action is their only option after “government inaction.”
Healthcare unions and civil groups have urged urgent dialogue to avert a deeper crisis and restore services in hospitals already under immense pressure.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
