By Deborah Nnamdi
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike and resumed work, but has warned the Federal Government that it has only two weeks to fully meet its outstanding demands.
The strike, which began last Friday, paralyzed medical services across public hospitals nationwide. Consultants and other health professionals were left to manage overwhelming caseloads, while patients endured long delays in receiving treatment.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension of the action in a statement on Saturday.
“Some of our demands have been met, while the government has promised to look into others. 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,” he said.
Before downing tools, the association had issued a string of ultimatums, including a 21-day notice in July, later extended by 10 days, which expired on September 10. A final 24-hour notice was given before the walkout commenced.
In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, NARD explained that the suspension followed assurances from the Federal Government, including the commencement of payments for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to members who were previously excluded.
The communiqué, signed by Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, read:
“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians 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.”
Among the doctors’ demands are the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund; settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review; payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears; and prompt release of specialist allowances.
The association is also seeking recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates.
NARD further called on the Oyo State Government to resolve welfare challenges affecting doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, within 15 days. It warned that failure to act could trigger an indefinite solidarity strike by its members in the state.
Meanwhile, resident doctors in state-owned tertiary hospitals have been permitted to continue ongoing industrial actions until their respective governments demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing outstanding grievances.
