Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Deal With Federal Government

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its planned strike following an agreement with the Federal Government over key issues affecting doctors’ welfare.

The decision came after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), where members assessed commitments made by government representatives and agreed to give ongoing negotiations another opportunity.

“The NEC, in recognition of the ongoing high-level interventions and as a demonstration of goodwill, hereby suspends the previously declared Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action,” the communique read.

NARD explained that the move was based on “progress made” in discussions, particularly assurances regarding the payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and efforts to resolve concerns surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.

Although the dispute has not been fully resolved, the association noted that the government had shown “renewed willingness” to address the concerns that triggered the strike threat.

“The NEC grants the Federal Government a two (2)-week ultimatum within which concrete, measurable, and verifiable steps must be taken to address all outstanding demands of the Association.

“The NEC reiterates its demands as follows: Immediate reversal of the decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT); Immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions; Prompt conclusion and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF); Immediate processing and full payment of the outstanding nineteen (19) months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.

“The NEC shall reconvene immediately upon expiration of the ultimatum to review the level of compliance and determine further appropriate actions in the best interest of its members. In the event of failure by the Federal Government to meet these demands within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC shall not hesitate to resume the suspended Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action without further notice.”

Resident doctors in Nigeria have had recurring disagreements with the Federal Government over welfare concerns, including delayed salary payments, insufficient hazard allowances, and poor healthcare infrastructure.

These ongoing challenges have also contributed to the growing migration of medical professionals abroad, as many seek improved working conditions and better opportunities outside the country.