Nigeria, Sept. 12 -- The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Friday commenced a five-day warning strike after accusing the federal government of ignoring long-standing demands over welfare and remuneration.

NARD, which constitutes the bulk of medical personnel in Nigeria's tertiary hospitals, said the action was necessary as government inaction had left doctors with no choice.

Previous strikes by resident doctors have often crippled services across hospitals nationwide.

The strike was confirmed in a statement titled "Declaration of strike action" and signed by NARD Secretary-General, Oluwasola Odunbaku.

"As clearly stated in our earlier communique, the strike is scheduled to commence at 8:00 a.m. today (Friday)," it sai...