The Nigeria Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike, which had disrupted healthcare services across the country, directing members to immediately return to duty.
The doctors commenced the industrial action on Friday after the expiration of a 24-hour grace period that followed their initial 10-day ultimatum on September 10.
Confirming the suspension on Sunday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, told THISDAY that the decision was reached following commitments made by the federal government. He disclosed that authorities had agreed to begin immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to eligible beneficiaries.
“Our strike has been suspended; doctors are to resume work today. Some of our demands have been met, including payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund. Government has also promised to look into other issues,” Osundara said in a text message.
The breakthrough followed weekend meetings between NARD leaders and the Minister of Labour and Employment, as well as the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.
According to Osundara, the suspension of the strike was also a gesture of goodwill aimed at easing the burden on Nigerians who rely on public healthcare.
“We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” he explained.
However, he noted that several other outstanding demands remain unresolved. These include unpaid arrears, downgrading of membership certificates, manpower shortages, and the release of a corrected circular on doctors’ remuneration from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
Resident doctors are also pressing for the settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review and other long-standing salary backlogs.
With doctors now back at their duty posts, attention will turn to whether the government follows through on its promises to address the broader issues threatening stability in the healthcare sector.
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