The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its planned strike following an agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria on key demands.
The decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and agreed to allow further dialogue.
“The NEC, in recognition of the ongoing high-level interventions and as a demonstration of goodwill, hereby suspends the previously declared Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action,” the communiqué stated.
NARD said the move was based on progress made in negotiations, particularly commitments regarding the payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and steps to address issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Although the dispute has not been fully resolved, the association noted what it described as a renewed willingness by the government to address its concerns.
The NEC, however, issued a two-week ultimatum for the government to implement concrete and verifiable actions on its demands.
These include the reversal of the decision to halt the reviewed Professional Allowance Table, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
It also demanded the immediate payment of 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance.
“The NEC shall reconvene immediately upon expiration of the ultimatum to review the level of compliance and determine further appropriate actions,” the statement added.
The association warned that it would resume the suspended strike without further notice if the government fails to meet its demands within the stipulated timeframe.
Resident doctors in Nigeria have had recurring disputes with the government over welfare issues, including irregular salary payments, inadequate hazard allowances, and poor healthcare infrastructure—factors that have contributed to the growing migration of medical professionals abroad.