The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day nationwide warning strike, giving the Federal Government an additional two weeks to address its outstanding demands.
The decision followed a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on Saturday, where the association resolved that members should return to work from Sunday.
In a communiqué signed by its president, Dr Tope Osundara; Secretary-General, Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Amobi Omoha, NARD disclosed that the Federal Government had commenced the payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members who were previously excluded.
The government also committed to addressing other outstanding issues, including the settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates, and the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
According to the association, the decision to suspend the strike was taken in consideration of Nigerians already grappling with health challenges amid the harsh economic climate.
“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians grappling with health challenges under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué,” the statement read.
The doctors, however, stressed that unresolved state-level issues remain. They called on the Oyo State Government to address lingering welfare concerns affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, within 15 days.
This followed a 15-day ultimatum earlier issued by the Nigerian Medical Association’s Oyo State branch.
NARD warned that failure to act would compel its National Officers’ Committee to direct members in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike. Similarly, the association urged other state governments to promptly resolve welfare challenges facing resident doctors.
In line with its NEC resolution, members working in state tertiary hospitals were empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns.
The suspended strike was the culmination of a series of ultimatums issued by the doctors in recent months.
In July 2025, NARD gave the Federal Government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands. When the deadline expired, it was extended by 10 days, which lapsed on 10 September without resolution. The association then issued a final 24-hour deadline, which also expired without action, prompting doctors nationwide to down tools on Friday, 12 September.
During the five-day warning strike, public hospitals across Nigeria were severely affected. Consultants and nurses were left to manage heavy caseloads, while patients faced overcrowded emergency wards and long delays in receiving care. The doctors said the industrial action was aimed at pressing for immediate settlement of salary arrears, allowances, and training funds.
Despite the suspension of the strike, NARD maintained that its members remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that the government delivers on its promises.
“Resident doctors are central to healthcare delivery in Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with the government at all levels to ensure improved welfare for our members and a healthier nation for all,” the statement concluded.
