Resident Doctors’ Strike Grounds Public Hospitals Nationwide, Patients Flood Private Clinics Amid Soaring Costs

Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system has been thrown into disarray as the nationwide warning strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) enters its third day, leaving government hospitals across the country deserted and forcing desperate patients to seek refuge in costly private facilities.

From Lagos to Abeokuta, Asaba to Kaduna, reports from LEADERSHIP Sunday correspondents revealed near-empty wards, abandoned outpatient clinics, and frustrated relatives pacing hospital corridors in search of help. Consultants, house officers, and nurses are struggling to hold the system together, but the burden is overwhelming.

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, and the State Hospital, Ijaiye, patients encountered skeletal services, with a handful of nurses and senior medical staff attending to emergencies. Relatives of in-patients have been forced to make alternative arrangements for care, while outpatients return home untreated.

> “We gave government a 21-day ultimatum, extended it by 10 days, and even added 24 hours before declaring this strike. We had no choice,”
explained Dr. Adegboyega Ridwan, President of the Association of Resident Doctors, FMC Abeokuta.
“We deliberately put measures in place to reduce suffering, but the impact will still be felt. Consultants and nurses cannot carry the entire system.”

At FMC Asaba, the situation was no different. Clinics were under lock, with only consultants admitting a limited number of new patients. Some relatives staged a mild protest, accusing government of neglecting the health sector and pleading with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene before more lives are lost.

One patient, Glory, narrated her ordeal:

> “I was supposed to have a dental operation today. Now I’m left in excruciating pain because of this strike.”

Another, Andrew Okewe, lamented wasted transport fares and the emotional toll on his family:

> “The consultants are overwhelmed. And private hospitals? Their charges are beyond what an average Nigerian can afford.”

While public hospitals groan, the Asaba Specialist Hospital, owned by the state government, appeared to function normally, offering a temporary escape for some patients.

The Crux of the Crisis

NARD’s strike followed the expiration of a three-week ultimatum, extended by an additional 10 days, over unmet government promises.

In a communiqué issued after its Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting of September 10, the doctors accused the federal government of failing to address long-standing grievances, which include:

Non-payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to many doctors.

Five months’ arrears from the 25%/35% CONMESS review.

Non-release of the 2024 accoutrement allowance.

Outstanding salary arrears.

Downgrading of postgraduate membership certificates issued by the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons.

Delays by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria in issuing membership certificates.

State governments, particularly Oyo State, faulted for neglecting doctors’ welfare.


The communiqué, signed by Dr. Osundara Zenith (President), Dr. Odunbaku Oluwasola (Secretary-General), and Dr. Amobi Omoha (Publicity Secretary), gave a stern warning:

> “Government must act now or risk further escalation.”

The Bigger Picture

Health analysts warn that the strike exposes Nigeria’s chronic underfunding of healthcare, where resident doctors—who form the bulk of medical manpower—bear the brunt of poor welfare and inadequate structures.

With patients caught between unaffordable private care and paralyzed public hospitals, many fear the cost in human lives will be devastating if the standoff drags beyond Tuesday.