Resident doctors in Kaduna have declared an indefinite strike over unpaid welfare and salary structure issues.
The action, starting September 1, threatens to cripple public hospitals and disrupt healthcare services statewide.
Healthcare services in Kaduna State are facing disruption as resident doctors have announced an indefinite strike, set to begin at midnight on Sunday, September 1, 2025.
The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Kaduna State chapter, said the industrial action was a response to the government’s failure to implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and address other welfare concerns agreed upon earlier this year.
In a statement released following an urgent virtual congress meeting, ARD President Dr. Richard Daniel remarked that members displayed considerable patience by persistently working beyond the initial deadline, giving the government an opportunity to respond.
“Our members showed understanding by staying on duty while expecting implementation of agreements signed in good faith. We hoped all concerns would be resolved by the end of August,” Daniel explained.
He noted that no adjustment reflecting CONMESS implementation was seen in August salaries, despite the government’s two-month timeline agreed upon in June.
“As a result, the association resolved to commence the indefinite strike, not as a first option, but as a necessary response to repeated delays in addressing doctors’ legitimate demands,” he added.
The ARD chapter at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital has also announced its participation in the strike starting at midnight on August 31, in support of the state chapter.
Dr. Josiah Yakubu, speaking on behalf of the chapter, stated that several reminder letters were sent to government officials between June and August, but yielded no response.
“We remain hopeful the government will show goodwill by fulfilling its promises. Our goal remains quality healthcare, which depends on fair treatment and proper support for medical professionals,” Yakubu stated.
The doctors appealed to the Kaduna State Government to take immediate steps to resolve the dispute and prevent disruption of patient care. Both ARD chapters affirmed that the strike would be suspended once agreements are implemented and welfare issues resolved.
Nigeria’s health sector has faced repeated strikes this year due to poor remuneration, unpaid allowances, and harsh working conditions.
The strike could paralyze public hospitals in Kaduna, leaving patients without access to care.
