The persistent question of why Nigerian doctors strike frequently confronts the nation, leading to significant disruptions in healthcare services. Recent statements from the Federal Government shed light on the complex reasons behind their inability to fully meet the demands of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), a situation that continues to fuel threats of industrial action across the country. This ongoing dialogue highlights deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s health sector, affecting millions.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, recently clarified the government’s position. He emphasized a commitment to improving the welfare of health workers through reforms, including a substantial upward review of professional allowances. This review, estimated at approximately ₦90 billion annually, covers various critical areas for medical professionals.
The revised allowances, which encompass call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty, and rural posting, were officially approved in November 2025. A key aspect of this reform was the collective negotiation process, involving all health professional groups. This approach aims to prevent past issues where separate negotiations led to conflicting agreements on pay parity and relativity, often resulting in renewed industrial disputes.
What is the core issue behind the Nigerian doctors’ strike? The primary driver of the frequent industrial actions by Nigerian resident doctors stems from unmet demands regarding improved welfare, timely allowance payments, and achieving pay parity with other health professionals, which the government struggles to balance with broader national priorities.
Despite the government’s expressed commitment to better remuneration, such reviews must be carefully balanced against other pressing national priorities. Education, security, and infrastructure development all compete for limited national resources. Furthermore, some of NARD’s specific demands are constrained by existing public service rules and approved schemes of service, making immediate implementation challenging.
One contentious point is the call for a specialist allowance for resident doctors. The government maintains that residents are fundamentally specialists-in-training, and this particular allowance is currently designated for consultants in line with established regulations. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission has also cautioned against extending this allowance, fearing it could trigger similar demands from other categories of workers undergoing specialist training across various sectors.
Concerns over delays in certification also form part of NARD’s grievances. The Ministry clarified that the National Postgraduate Medical College, not the Ministry itself, is responsible for issuing certificates after Part I examinations, and the Ministry lacks the authority to override the institution’s established policy on this matter. This points to a jurisdictional challenge in meeting certain demands directly.
Another area of dispute involved the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja. The government stated that this action followed standard civil service disciplinary procedures. A subsequent ministerial review panel has since recommended the reinstatement of two doctors, a reprimand for two others, and a fresh hearing for the remaining individual, indicating a process of internal review and potential resolution.
The recurrent industrial actions, often initiated by the National Association of Resident Doctors, severely impact Nigeria’s already strained healthcare system. Patients face cancelled appointments, delayed surgeries, and reduced access to critical medical services, exacerbating the nation’s public health challenges. Understanding why Nigerian doctors strike is crucial for policymakers and citizens alike, as these disruptions underscore systemic issues that require comprehensive, long-term solutions beyond immediate salary adjustments.
The Minister assured Nigerians that the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other key stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to continuous dialogue. The primary goal is to stabilize the health sector, prevent further disruptions to essential healthcare services, and foster a more harmonious working relationship. This ongoing engagement is vital for addressing the root causes of the disputes and moving towards sustainable solutions for the nation’s medical professionals and the public they serve.
