Nigerian Doctors to Begin Indefinite Strike in 2026

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) will begin an indefinite nationwide strike on January 12, 2026. The union announced the action, which threatens to severely disrupt hospital services across the country. Resident doctors are medical graduates training as specialists. They form the core clinical staff in most public hospitals. NARD stated the strike is due to the government's failure to implement a previous agreement. Key issues include unpaid salary arrears, poor hazard allowances, and a lack of medical insurance. This will be the latest in a series of strikes by doctors in Nigeria. Each previous action has led to the near-collapse of non-emergency care in public health facilities. The government has not yet issued a public response to the new strike notice. Patients now face uncertainty over access to routine and specialized medical care in two years.