ABUJA, Dec. 27, 2025 (Naija247news) – Nigeria’s health sector recorded notable progress in infrastructure, emergency care, insurance coverage, and service utilisation in 2025, but persistent strikes by doctors, nurses, and allied health workers exposed unresolved labour tensions threatening reforms.
Under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the Federal Government commissioned oncology centres, expanded emergency services, improved immunisation coverage, and cleared several legacy arrears owed to health workers, signalling significant investment in healthcare.
Despite these gains, waves of industrial action disrupted federal hospital services, left patients stranded, and highlighted deep-rooted tensions between authorities and unions, underscoring the fragile nature of reforms even amid policy advances.
One of the most consequential disruptions came from the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), which launched an indefinite nationwide strike on Nov. 1 over unresolved welfare and structural issues affecting federal health institutions. After 29 days, the strike was suspended following meetings with the Federal Government, though many critical issues remained unresolved.
“The NEC resolved to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow room for dialogue, while ensuring follow-up on implementation of pending welfare and structural demands,” NARD National President Dr Mohammad Suleiman said.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the government covered unpaid promotion arrears, specialist allowances, the 25/35 per cent review, and accoutrement allowances, while committees were tasked with reviewing policies to improve doctors’ work conditions within two months.
Earlier in the year, resident doctors in the Federal Capital Territory went on strike citing unpaid salaries, delayed promotions, poor infrastructure, and manpower shortages. Hospitals were overstretched, with some doctors handling up to 60 patients per night, according to ARD President Dr George Ebong.
Other health workers also took industrial action. Members of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) staged a seven-day strike on July 30 over decades-old welfare and career progression issues, while Joint Health Sector Unions launched an indefinite nationwide strike on Nov. 14 over delays in implementing the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS). The Nigeria Labour Congress backed the actions on Dec. 2.
Health analysts warned of severe consequences. Dr Francis Ayomo said strikes had “very bad and very negative” impacts on health outcomes, forcing patients to seek private care or informal providers. Faith-based and professional groups, including the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria, noted the human cost of repeated work stoppages.
Government officials acknowledged the challenges. Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako warned that recurring strikes threaten Universal Health Coverage goals. Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Muhammad Pate highlighted efforts under President Tinubu’s administration, including clearing arrears, raising retirement age for skilled workers, processing hazard allowances, and settling over N10 billion under the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
“We continue negotiations with NMA, JOHESU, and NANNM to institutionalise reforms and address long-standing grievances,” Pate said.
For patients like Blessing Yakubu, referred to federal hospitals during strikes, progress remained fragile.
“We had to borrow money for private clinics because we had no choice,” she said.
As Nigeria closes 2025, infrastructure and policy reforms are evident, yet unresolved labour disputes leave healthcare improvements vulnerable. Citizens and analysts caution that unless agreements move from paper to practice, each strike suspension risks being a temporary fix rather than a lasting solution.
Emman Tochi ✔
Emma Tochi is Naija247news Media Northern Bureau Chief, he's based in FCT Abuja. He overseas the northern operations of this business media
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