RESIDENT DOCTORS SUSPEND STRIKE, ISSUE TWO-WEEK ULTIMATUM TO FG

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike just two days after it commenced, giving the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to meet its demands.

The association’s president, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension in a statement on Saturday, noting 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,” Osundara stated.

The strike, which began on Friday, had disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide, leaving consultants and other health workers to manage overwhelming caseloads while patients faced long delays.

NARD embarked on the industrial action to demand immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and other unpaid allowances. The doctors also called for the restoration of recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, and the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to qualified candidates.

In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, NARD confirmed that the Federal Government had commenced payment of the 2025 Residency Training Fund to some members, influencing the decision to suspend the strike.

The communiqué, signed by Osundara, NARD’s General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, said:

“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 contained in our communiqué.”

NARD also urged the Oyo State Government to address welfare concerns affecting doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, warning of a possible indefinite solidarity strike if issues remain unresolved.

The association further called on other state governments to resolve welfare challenges facing resident doctors in their jurisdictions, while empowering members in state tertiary hospitals to continue industrial actions until genuine commitments are demonstrated.

NARD reaffirmed its commitment to working with all levels of government to ensure improved healthcare delivery across Nigeria.