Medical services have resumed across public hospitals as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) called off its five-day warning strike on Sunday. However, the union has handed the Federal Government a new two-week deadline to address its remaining demands.
The strike, which began Friday, significantly disrupted healthcare delivery nationwide, forcing consultants and other health workers to manage increased patient loads and leaving many Nigerians facing delays in treatment.
NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara confirmed the suspension in a statement Saturday, citing government assurances and initial progress as reasons for the decision.
“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.
In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, the association stated that the suspension would allow the government a brief period to fulfill its commitments.
The document, signed by Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, read: “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.”
Key unresolved issues include the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% salary structure review, payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
NARD also reiterated its demand for the recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates and the issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates.
Additionally, the association issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Oyo State Government to resolve welfare concerns affecting doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, warning that failure to do so would trigger an indefinite solidarity strike by its members in the state.
NARD noted that doctors in state-owned tertiary hospitals may continue existing industrial actions until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing lingering grievances.
Leave a comment