Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Issue Two-Week Ultimatum to FG

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

The association began the strike on Friday but called it off on Saturday night, directing members to resume work on Sunday. NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the suspension in a message, stating that while some of the demands had been met, others were still pending. He described the decision as a gesture of goodwill to ease the burden on Nigerians seeking healthcare.

The strike followed a series of ultimatums — a 21-day notice in July, extended by 10 days and later a 24-hour deadline. The doctors are demanding the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and clearance of salary backlogs. They also want the payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of the recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Other demands include the issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, full implementation of the 2024 salary structure, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State, and urgent attention to the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

The industrial action had disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide, leaving consultants and other healthcare workers overstretched and patients facing long delays.

In a communiqué signed by Osundara, the General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and the Publicity Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, the association said the suspension followed the Federal Government’s renewed commitment and the commencement of payments under the 2025 Residency Fund. The strike was officially called off at 8 a.m. on Sunday.

NARD also urged the Oyo State Government to address unresolved issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital within 15 days, warning of an indefinite solidarity strike if demands are not met. It further called on other state governments to swiftly tackle welfare concerns affecting resident doctors.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with all levels of government to improve healthcare delivery for Nigerians.