The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its ongoing five-day warning strike after just two days, granting the Federal Government a two-week grace period to address its demands.
The association announced that it will reconvene on September 26 during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) to review progress and decide whether to resume the industrial action.
Speaking on Sunday, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, explained that the suspension was a gesture of goodwill to Nigerians and an opportunity for the government to act swiftly on unresolved welfare issues affecting doctors.
“We want the government, having negotiated with us, to have ample time to perfect their plans in addressing all our concerns. Our members felt that we should also extend a hand of goodwill, especially to Nigerians, who are already grappling with harsh economic conditions,” Osundara stated in an interview with Hobnob News.
He emphasized that the suspension does not mean doctors are abandoning their demands.
“We are only putting our strike on hold temporarily to give the government room to act. We hope that within these two weeks, they will attend to everything in our list of demands,” he added.
Outstanding Demands
NARD’s demands include:
Immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF)
Settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35% Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review
Payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears
Prompt disbursement of specialist allowances
Restoration of recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
Issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
Full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS
Resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State and at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital (LAUTECH-TH), Ogbomoso
So far, Osundara disclosed that only one demand has been addressed: the payment of the 2025 MRTF to previously omitted members.
“That’s the only thing the government has done for now. Aside from that, arrears remain unpaid, manpower shortages persist, and doctors are still awaiting a corrected circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. Doctors have been shortchanged for over a decade—it’s time this was fixed,” he said.
Warning to Government
The NARD president cautioned that the association would escalate action if the government fails to act before the September 26 review.
“Our AGM is the highest decision-making body, and by September 26, we will decide the next line of action,” Osundara warned.
On the ongoing strike in Oyo State, he clarified that the national suspension does not affect doctors at LAUTECH-TH, Ogbomoso.
“We’ve given the Oyo State Government 15 days to meet the demands of our colleagues there. If nothing is done, we will direct our members across Oyo State to shut down immediately,” he explained.
