The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day nationwide warning strike, following assurances from the Federal Government to address their outstanding demands.
NARD announced the suspension after a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on September 13, 2025. In a statement released on Saturday, the association said the government had begun paying the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members who were previously owed.
The statement, signed by NARD President Osundara Tope, Secretary-General Odunbaku Oluwasola, and Publicity and Social Secretary Amobi Omoha, explained that the decision was taken “after due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy.”
The strike was suspended effective 8 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the doctors’ demands.
NARD, however, warned the Oyo State Government to comply with a 15-day ultimatum issued by the state branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over unresolved issues affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. “Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike,” the statement said.
The association also urged other state governments to resolve the welfare challenges of resident doctors, adding that members in state tertiary hospitals are empowered to continue industrial action until their demands are met. “NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all,” it stated.
Resident doctors—medical graduates training as specialists—form the backbone of Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly in emergency wards.
The strike followed the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum issued to the federal government, after a prior 10-day deadline lapsed on September 10 without resolution. NARD had demanded immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 MRTF, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review, and other longstanding salary backlogs.
Other demands included payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates. The doctors also called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue certificates to qualified candidates, fully implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address grievances at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Government response
Minister of State for Health, Isaq Salako, had earlier expressed optimism that talks with NARD could prevent the strike. Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, he admitted that the government had yet to clear about 40 per cent of the outstanding residency training allowance for 2025.
“It is my hope—and that is what we are working on—that the matter will be resolved before the ultimatum expires,” Salako said.
