The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has resumed work after suspending its five-day warning strike, but has given the Federal Government a fresh two-week deadline to meet outstanding demands.
The strike, which began on Friday, disrupted services across public hospitals nationwide. Consultants and other health workers were forced to manage heavy caseloads, while patients faced long delays in accessing care.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension of the action in a statement issued on Saturday.
“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. 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.
The association had issued a series of ultimatums before embarking on the strike, including a 21-day notice in July, later extended by 10 days, which expired on September 10. A final 24-hour notice was issued before the walkout commenced.
In a communiqué released after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, NARD said the decision to suspend the strike followed the Federal Government’s assurances and the commencement of payments for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to members previously excluded.
The communiqué, signed by Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social 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.”
NARD’s demands include 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 disbursement of specialist allowances.
The association also called for recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates.
In addition, NARD urged the Oyo State Government to act within 15 days to address welfare issues affecting doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. Failure to comply, the association warned, would result in an indefinite solidarity strike by its members in the state.
The association said resident doctors in state-owned tertiary hospitals may continue with existing industrial actions until their respective governments demonstrate commitment to resolving outstanding grievances.
