Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors suspends strike, granting government two weeks to meet demands on pay, welfare and working conditions

The doctors had walked out on Friday, paralysing services in public hospitals nationwide.

Also read: Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors threatens strike

Consultants and other health workers were left struggling with heavy caseloads, while patients endured delays and cancelled appointments.

Dr Tope Osundara, President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, announced the decision on Saturday night, confirming that members would resume work on Sunday morning.

“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 in a message to members.

The union explained that the suspension followed assurances by the government, including the commencement of payments under the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund for previously excluded doctors.

In a communiqué signed by its leadership after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, NARD said the decision was taken with the plight of patients in mind, especially in the current harsh economic climate.

The suspension, effective from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, gives the government until the end of September to implement agreements on salaries, arrears and welfare.

The doctors are demanding the immediate settlement of the outstanding 2025 residency training fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and clearance of backlogs on salary and allowances.

Other demands include payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and recognition of postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

NARD also urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to eligible candidates, called for full implementation of the 2024 salary structure, and pressed for resolution of welfare disputes in Kaduna and Oyo States.

The union warned that unresolved issues at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital could trigger an indefinite solidarity strike in Oyo State.

While the suspension has been welcomed by patients and hospital administrators, NARD insisted that it will not hesitate to resume industrial action if the government fails to deliver within the set timeframe.