The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its warning strike just two days after it commenced.
The doctors, who began the action on Friday morning, announced the suspension on Saturday night, with members directed to resume work today (Sunday).
Confirming the decision, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara said in a message to journalists:
“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption to work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”
Although Osundara did not specify which demands had been addressed, the strike had already disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide, leaving consultants and other health workers overstretched while patients faced delays.
NARD had embarked on the strike to press for:Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% CONMESS salary review, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeri, Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The suspension of the strike is seen as a goodwill gesture while negotiations with the government continue.