The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has resumed work after suspending its two-day strike but warned the Federal Government that it has only two weeks to meet outstanding demands or face renewed industrial action.
The strike, which began on Friday, paralysed activities across public hospitals, forcing consultants and other health workers to manage overwhelming caseloads while patients endured long delays.
In a statement on Saturday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed 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.”
The association explained that the suspension followed government assurances and the commencement of payments for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members previously excluded.
In a communiqué signed by Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, NARD said the suspension was to give government a “two-week window” to fully implement pending demands.
NARD’s Key Demands
- Immediate payment of the 2025 MRTF to all eligible members.
- Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS salary review.
- Payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
- Prompt release of specialist allowances.
- Recognition of West African postgraduate certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
- Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to qualified candidates.
NARD also issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Oyo State Government to resolve welfare concerns at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH-TH), Ogbomoso, warning of an indefinite solidarity strike if unmet.
The doctors stressed that colleagues in state-owned tertiary hospitals may continue their ongoing strikes until their respective governments demonstrate genuine commitment.
The Federal Government now faces a renewed test of its ability to address the grievances of medical professionals while averting another nationwide disruption of healthcare services.
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