The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, two days after it began, but has given the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to meet its outstanding demands.
NARD members, who downed tools on Friday, were directed to resume work on Sunday following the suspension.
Confirming the decision, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said in a message on Saturday:
“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”
The Demands
The resident doctors had embarked on the strike to push for:
• Immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
• Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
• Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
• Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
• Restoration of recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
• Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
• Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
• Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State.
• Addressing the plight of doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The strike had disrupted services across public hospitals nationwide, leaving consultants and other health workers to manage overwhelming caseloads and forcing patients to endure long delays.
Government Response
In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, NARD confirmed that the suspension followed assurances from the Federal Government, including the commencement of payments for the 2025 Residency Training Fund to previously excluded members.
The communiqué, signed by Osundara and other top officials, stated:
“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to allow the Government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué.”
Fresh Ultimatums at State Level
NARD also called on the Oyo State Government to meet a 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association in the state to resolve issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, warning that failure to comply would trigger an indefinite solidarity strike.
The association further urged other state governments to address lingering welfare challenges confronting doctors in their tertiary hospitals, while authorizing members in those states to continue industrial action until genuine commitments are made.
NARD emphasized that it remains committed to engaging with all tiers of government to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.