Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Order Members to Resume Duty Immediately
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its 29-day nationwide strike, directing all members to resume duty immediately after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.
The strike, which began on November 1, 2025, was called to protest unpaid arrears, delayed allowances, welfare issues, and other concerns affecting resident doctors across federal health institutions.
Agreement Reached After Extraordinary NEC Meeting
Speaking after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, NARD President Dr. Mohamed Suleiman confirmed that the strike was suspended following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties.
“We reached an agreement and also signed an MoU. We agreed on some of the things and wanted time for them to be implemented,”
— Dr. Mohamed Suleiman, NARD President.
He added that the NEC reviewed the MoU and timelines and considered them acceptable, resolving to suspend the strike and allow a four-week implementation window.
Doctors to Resume Work With Immediate Effect
Dr. Suleiman stressed that the suspension takes effect immediately. All resident doctors nationwide have been instructed to return to their duty posts without delay.
19 Demands Tableted for a Stronger Healthcare System
During the industrial action, NARD presented 19 key demands, which it described as essential for building a sustainable healthcare system and restoring dignity to the medical profession.
Some of the unresolved issues include:
Non-payment of outstanding 25% and 35% CONMESS review arrears, expected to be cleared by August 2025.
Outstanding salary arrears and long-delayed promotion arrears in several tertiary hospitals.
Failure to pay the 2024 accoutrement allowance, despite repeated assurances.
The unjust dismissal of five resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
Growing concerns over burnout and the worsening brain drain (“Japa” syndrome).
Government Response Under Scrutiny
The suspension of the strike provides the government a limited window to address the critical welfare and structural issues affecting the nation’s healthcare workforce. NARD has warned that full implementation of the MoU within the agreed timeline will determine future actions.
