Nigeria’s resident doctors say they may down tools nationwide if authorities fail to act on the growing attacks against health workers. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors is demanding stronger hospital security, compensation for affected staff, and immediate prosecution of offenders, warning that failure to act before its May 2026 meeting will jeopardize industrial peace.

NARD said the frequency of violence, intimidation, and harassment against medical staff has become a direct threat to safety, morale, and service delivery. The association is demanding strict hospital protection policies, compensation for victims and damaged property, and the deployment of adequate security in all health facilities. It’s also calling on the Federal Government to issue a presidential executive order mandating prosecution of anyone who assaults health workers or invades medical facilities.

The warning was issued ahead of NARD’s May 2026 Ordinary General Meeting. The association said if “concrete, visible, and decisive steps” aren’t taken by then, it cannot guarantee industrial peace afterward.

A recent assault on staff at University College Hospital, Ibadan, has already triggered a warning strike by UCH resident doctors, highlighting the issue.