Resident Doctors

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its two-day warning strike following assurances from the federal government to address its key demands.

The strike, which began on Friday morning, was called off on Saturday night after an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, with members instructed to resume work on Sunday.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the development, noting that the suspension gives the government a two-week window to fully implement its promises. “Negotiations remain open, but unresolved issues could escalate tensions,” he warned.

The strike had disrupted services in public tertiary hospitals nationwide, where resident doctors make up the bulk of the workforce. Consultants and other health professionals were left to manage heavy patient loads, leading to delays in care.

NARD’s demands include:

• Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
• Settlement of five months’ arrears under the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
• Payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears.
• Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
• Restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).
• Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates.
• Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State.
• Addressing challenges faced by resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso.

In a statement, NARD said the suspension was influenced by the federal government’s commitment to resolving the issues outlined in its strike communiqué and by the commencement of MRTF payments to previously affected members.

The association also cited concern for Nigerians facing health challenges under harsh economic conditions. It urged the Oyo State Government to comply with a 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over unresolved issues at LAUTECH, warning of a possible indefinite solidarity strike if no action is taken.

State governments were also called upon to promptly address welfare challenges affecting resident doctors in their institutions. NARD clarified that its members in state tertiary hospitals would continue industrial action until their governments demonstrate genuine commitment to resolving these issues.