Resident Doctors Call Off Strike, Hand FG Fresh Ultimatum

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike but handed the Federal Government a two-week deadline to meet key demands or face renewed action.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike but has given the Federal Government a fresh two-week deadline to address outstanding demands.

NARD President, Tope Osundara, announced the suspension in a statement on Saturday, September 13.

“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work on Sunday, September 14. We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” he said.

The association had earlier issued several ultimatums before the strike, beginning with a 21-day notice in July, which was later extended by 10 days and expired on September 10. A final 24-hour notice was then given before the industrial action commenced.

In a communiqué signed by President Tope Osundara, General Secretary Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Omoha Amobi, NARD said the strike would be suspended from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to give the government a two-week window to meet its demands.

The statement explained that the decision was reached after considering the plight of Nigerians struggling with health challenges in the current harsh economy.

DON’T MISS: Court Orders Detention of Sujimoto CEO Over ₦5.7bn Enugu School Project Fraud

The doctors’ demands include immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) salary review, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and timely release of specialist allowances.

They also urged the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to recognise West African postgraduate membership certificates, and called on the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates.,

Additionally, NARD gave the Oyo State Government a 15-day deadline to resolve welfare concerns affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, warning that failure to act would trigger an indefinite solidarity strike by members in the state.

The association added that resident doctors in state-owned tertiary hospitals could continue ongoing strikes until their respective governments demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing unresolved issues.