The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike after two days, giving the Federal Government a two-week grace period to meet its demands.
The association said it would reconvene on September 26 during its Annual General Meeting to decide on the next line of action, depending on the government’s response.
NARD President, Dr Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension on Sunday, stating that the decision was made to give the government time to address key welfare issues affecting resident doctors. He said the move also aimed to show goodwill to Nigerians facing difficult economic conditions.
According to Osundara, the strike was suspended not because the demands had been met, but to allow time for the implementation of agreements already reached in negotiations.
The resident doctors had declared the strike on Friday, September 13, following a series of ultimatums, including a 21-day notice in July, a 10-day extension, and a final 24-hour deadline that expired on September 10.
The doctors’ demands include:
-
Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
-
Settlement of five months’ salary arrears related to the 25–35% CONMESS salary adjustment
-
Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
-
Disbursement of specialist allowances
-
Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
-
Issuance of certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
-
Full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS
-
Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State
-
Redress of complaints at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso
Osundara stated that the only demand addressed so far was the payment of the 2025 MRTF to previously omitted members. He added that delays in releasing a corrected salary structure circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission remain a major concern.
He warned that if the government fails to meet the association’s demands within the two-week window, the strike may be resumed and escalated.
Meanwhile, Osundara clarified that the suspension of the strike does not affect doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, who are facing separate issues with the Oyo State Government. He said the doctors in Oyo have been given 15 days to resolve their concerns, after which a total shutdown across the state may follow.
The association’s final decision will be made during its AGM on September 26.
