The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has called off its five-day warning strike just two days after it commenced.
The association has also given the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to meet its demands.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that the doctors had downed tools on Friday morning but suspended the action on Saturday night, with members directed to resume work today (Sunday).
The President of the association, Dr. Tope Osundara, disclosed this in a WhatsApp message on Saturday.
He said, “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”
The doctors had issued a series of ultimatums before embarking on the strike — a 21-day ultimatum in July, extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10, followed by a final 24-hour deadline.
With the suspension of the warning strike, NARD said it is now giving the government an additional two weeks to fulfil its promises.
The doctors had embarked on the strike to press home their demands, which include the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund; settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review; and other long-standing salary backlogs.
They also demanded the payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears; prompt disbursement of specialist allowances; and restoration of the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
In addition, they called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all deserving candidates, implement the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address the plight of resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The strike had disrupted services in public hospitals across the country. Consultants and other categories of health workers were left to manage heavy caseloads, leading to overstretched services, while patients faced delays.
Also, in a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, the association confirmed that the decision followed the Federal Government’s commitment to address some of its concerns, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to members who had been previously left out.
The communique signed by Osundara, the association’s General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, stated, “After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 14th September, 2025, to allow the Government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué.”
NARD also called on the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association’s Oyo State branch to address lingering issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, warning that failure to do so would compel its members in the state to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike.
The association further urged other state governments to promptly resolve welfare challenges facing resident doctors. In line with the NEC resolution, members in state tertiary hospitals were empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns.
NARD said it remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure better healthcare for Nigerians.
