ABUJA, Nov 3 (AGCNewsNet) — Medical services across Nigeria have been severely disrupted following an indefinite strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which commenced on Saturday after the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the federal government.

Findings revealed that hospitals across major cities—including Abuja, Lagos, Benue, and Borno—were largely deserted, with nurses providing only skeletal services.

NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman announced the industrial action in a statement on Saturday, citing the government’s failure to fulfill prior agreements and address long-standing issues affecting the nation’s healthcare system.

“We embark on this total, comprehensive, and indefinite strike not out of desire but out of necessity,” Suleiman said. “Our decision follows the federal government’s continued neglect of our legitimate demands and the worsening state of Nigeria’s health system.”

He stressed that the association’s demands were not politically motivated but aimed at preserving the survival of the healthcare system. Key issues include unpaid arrears, poor working conditions, inadequate staffing, excessive workload, and lack of essential medical infrastructure.

In a swift response, the federal government announced plans to release N11.9 billion within 72 hours to settle part of the salary and allowance arrears owed to health workers.

According to Alaba Balogun, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, President Bola Tinubu directed the expedited payment of arrears as part of measures to address the crisis.

Balogun said N10 billion had already been released in August to begin payment of seven months’ arrears arising from the 25–35 percent salary review for health workers.

“As of Thursday, October 30, another N21.3 billion has been moved to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System account, and payment has commenced,” the statement read. “Additionally, N11.995 billion is being processed for release within 72 hours to pay other arrears, including accoutrement allowance.”

The government also confirmed the release of N10.6 billion in September for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, paid exclusively to resident doctors nationwide.

At the Kubwa General Hospital and Wuse District Hospital in Abuja, most departments—including the Accident and Emergency Unit—were operating below capacity, leaving many patients unattended.

“I’ve been here since morning to see a doctor, but no one has attended to me,” said Habeeb Isa, who brought his son for treatment. “They just keep saying the doctors are not around.”

In Benue State, patients at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) were discharged ahead of the strike, while house officers deserted their duty posts.

“Many patients were discharged so they could continue their medical attention elsewhere,” said Chichi Terkura, a recently discharged patient. “It’s a pathetic situation because BSUTH offers competent and affordable care compared to private hospitals.”

In Maiduguri, skeletal services were also observed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), where only a few doctors attended to emergencies.

“Many of us were not aware of the strike. I came from far away, but my doctor isn’t here,” said patient Ladi Mshelia.

In Lagos, both the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) were nearly empty, with nurses and security personnel managing the few remaining patients.

“Only the nurses are working; the doctors are on strike,” a LASUTH staff member confirmed.

The presidents of the LASUTH and LUTH Associations of Resident Doctors—Dr. Morolayo Onamusi and Dr. Benjamin Uyi—confirmed compliance with the strike directive, noting that the action would continue until further notice.

Stay connected with AGC NewsNet for the latest news from Africa.