The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike just two days after it began, granting the Federal Government an additional two weeks to meet its demands.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension on Saturday night in a message to members, directing them to resume work on Sunday. He noted that while some demands had been addressed, others remain under review.
“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow. We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” Osundara said.
The doctors initially embarked on strike on Friday, following a series of ultimatums — including a 21-day notice in July, a 10-day extension that expired on September 10, and a final 24-hour deadline.
Their demands include the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent CONMESS salary review, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt specialist allowance disbursement, and recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
They also called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to eligible candidates, implement the 2024 salary structure, resolve welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.
The strike, which disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide, forced consultants and other health workers to handle heavy caseloads, leaving patients with long delays.
In a communiqué issued after its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, NARD said the suspension followed government’s commitment to address some of its concerns and the commencement of payments for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The communiqué, signed by Dr. Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, 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, 14th September, 2025, to allow the Government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué.”
Meanwhile, NARD urged the Oyo State Government to address lingering issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital within the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association’s Oyo branch, warning of an indefinite solidarity strike if ignored. It also called on other state governments to resolve welfare challenges affecting resident doctors.
The association emphasized its commitment to partnering with all levels of government to ensure better healthcare delivery for Nigerians.
