By The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, two days after it began, giving the Federal Government a fresh two-week ultimatum to meet outstanding demands.
The Association’s President, Dr Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension in a message on Saturday night. He explained that members were directed to resume work on Sunday as a gesture of goodwill. “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 resident doctors had downed tools on Friday after a series of ultimatums issued since July expired without resolution. They first gave government 21 days, later extended by 10 days, followed by a final 24-hour notice before embarking on the action.
Their 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 (CONMESS) review, payment of outstanding salary backlogs, and disbursement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears. They also want prompt payment of specialist allowances, restoration of recognition for the 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.
In addition, the association is pushing for the implementation of the 2024 CONMESS review, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State, and redress for resident doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The warning strike had strained services in public hospitals across the country, forcing consultants and other health workers to shoulder heavy caseloads while patients endured delays.
In a communiqué released after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, NARD confirmed that government had commenced payment of the 2025 residency fund to some members. The statement, signed by Dr Osundara alongside General Secretary Dr Oluwasola Odunbaku and Publicity Secretary Dr Omoha Amobi, said the decision to suspend the strike was taken “after due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy.”
The strike suspension takes effect from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 14 September 2025. However, NARD warned that it would not hesitate to resume industrial action if government fails to deliver on its promises within two weeks.
The association also backed the Nigerian Medical Association in Oyo State, which recently gave the state government a 15-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital. NARD warned that failure to act could trigger an indefinite solidarity strike by its members in the state.
While reaffirming its commitment to working with all levels of government to improve healthcare delivery, NARD stressed that the welfare of its members must be prioritised if Nigeria’s health sector is to function effectively.
