Resident doctors have suspended their strike after government assurances but warned of renewed action if demands are not met within two weeks.
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, two days after it began, giving the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to meet its demands.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, announced the suspension in a WhatsApp message on Saturday, saying members were directed to resume work on Sunday. “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). 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 embarked on the strike on Friday over demands including the immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of salary arrears, and recognition of postgraduate certificates.
In a communiqué issued after its Extraordinary NEC meeting, NARD said the decision followed assurances from government and the commencement of payments to previously excluded members.
The doctors warned that failure to fulfil promises within the two-week window could trigger fresh industrial action, while urging state governments to resolve welfare issues affecting doctors in their institutions.