The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned five-day warning strike after only two days of action.
In a move to foster goodwill and provide the Federal Government with additional time to meet their demands, the association has granted a two-week extension for negotiations.
The suspension was declared on Sunday, reflecting NARD’s intention to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians while allowing the government a window to address outstanding issues. The union will reconvene on September 26 during its Annual General Meeting to decide whether to resume industrial action.
Addressing the press, NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara explained that the pause was designed to give the government sufficient opportunity to implement previously agreed-upon measures.
“We want to give the government the necessary time to finalize their plans and resolve the concerns we have raised,” Osundara stated.
He added, “Our members believe that since we have extended a gesture of cooperation, it is only right to show consideration for Nigerians who are enduring difficult economic hardships and other challenges.”
However, Osundara emphasized that this suspension does not signify a withdrawal of their demands but rather a temporary halt. “This is a humanitarian gesture, an olive branch to the government. We hope that within these two weeks, all our demands will be addressed,” he affirmed.
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The strike began last Friday after NARD issued multiple ultimatums to the federal government, including a 21-day notice in July, followed by a 10-day extension, and a final 24-hour deadline that expired on September 10.
The union’s key demands include the immediate release of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF); clearance of five months’ arrears from the 25-35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) adjustment; payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears; timely disbursement of specialist allowances; and reinstatement of recognition for West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
Additionally, NARD is calling for authorization for the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates, full enforcement of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare concerns in Kaduna State, and redress of grievances affecting doctors-consider-nationwide-strike-after-federal-ultimatum/” title=”Resident … Threaten Nationwide Strike as Deadline to … Passes”>resident doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH-TH), Ogbomoso.
According to Osundara, the government has only acted on one demand so far-the payment of the 2025 MRTF to members who were previously excluded. “Beyond the MRTF, no other issues have been resolved. We continue to face unpaid arrears and a critical shortage of medical personnel,” he noted.
He also criticized the delay in issuing a revised circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, highlighting that doctors have been undercompensated for over ten years.
Osundara warned that if the government fails to meet their demands by the September 26 meeting, the union will consider intensifying their industrial action. “Our AGM, which is the highest decision-making body, will determine the next steps,” he concluded.
