NARD suspends strike, bringing relief across Nigeria as doctors give government a two-week ultimatum over welfare issues
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its planned nationwide industrial action, offering a welcome reprieve to patients and healthcare workers across Nigeria after high-level government intervention.
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The association had earlier scheduled an indefinite strike to begin on Tuesday over delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, and welfare concerns affecting its members.
However, following engagements led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, and Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi, the doctors announced a suspension of the action and issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government.
In a joint statement signed by NARD President Muhammed Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the association said the decision followed extensive deliberations by its National Executive Council.
The statement expressed cautious optimism, noting that the government’s engagement signalled renewed commitment to addressing doctors’ welfare.
“The NEC, in recognition of the ongoing high-level interventions and as a demonstration of goodwill, hereby suspends the previously declared total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action,” the statement read.
Despite the suspension, the association warned that unresolved issues must be addressed within the two-week window.
These include delayed promotions, salary arrears, unpaid allowances spanning 19 months, and the non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The association also reiterated its demand for the immediate reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to halt the reviewed Professional Allowance Table, a key point of contention.
NARD stressed that the government must take concrete and verifiable steps within the ultimatum period, warning that failure would trigger an immediate resumption of the strike.
Across the country, the decision brought visible relief.
At Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau State Specialist Hospital, patients and staff welcomed the development.
A consultant at the Jos facility said resident doctors remain critical to service delivery, describing them as the backbone of hospital operations.
A patient, Mrs Tina Badungs, expressed gratitude that the strike was called off, recalling previous experiences where patients were left unattended during industrial actions.
At the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, medical services continued despite the looming strike, although outpatient care was briefly affected.
A relative of a patient, identified as Philomena, said the suspension prevented potential disruptions that could have forced patients to seek care elsewhere.
At Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, services remained largely uninterrupted.
The institution’s resident doctors had delayed participation while engaging state authorities, allowing normal operations to continue.
Local leadership at the hospital confirmed compliance with the national directive following the suspension.
The NARD suspends strike decision has temporarily eased pressure on Nigeria’s healthcare system, but uncertainty remains as stakeholders await the government’s response within the stipulated timeframe.
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The association urged its members to remain calm and united, emphasising that their patience is limited as the ultimatum counts down.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
