The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its nationwide warning strike just two days after it began.
The strike, which started on Friday morning, was suspended on Saturday night, with the association directing its members to return to duty on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara said some of the union’s demands had been addressed, while others were still under government review.
“We have decided to suspend the strike as a sign of goodwill to Nigerians who rely on our services. Work resumes today (Sunday),” the statement read.
However, Dr. Osundara did not disclose which specific issues had been resolved at the time of the announcement.
Disruption of Medical Services
During the two-day strike, services in many government hospitals across the country were severely disrupted. With resident doctors absent, consultants and other health workers had to handle increased workloads, resulting in delays and difficulty accessing care for patients.
According to NARD, the strike was aimed at pressing for the following:
- Immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund.
- Payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.
- Settlement of outstanding 2024 accoutrement allowances.
- Prompt payment of specialist allowances.
- Restoration of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s (MDCN) recognition of West African Postgraduate Membership Certificates.
- Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to qualified candidates.
- Implementation of the 2024 CONMESS structure.
- Resolution of welfare issues affecting resident doctors in Kaduna State.
- Addressing the grievances of doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
Although the strike has been suspended, NARD said it would continue to closely monitor the government’s response to its demands. The association emphasized that the suspension was a show of goodwill but warned that further action could follow if progress stalls.
