ABUJA – The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, two days after it began.
The suspension was announced in a statement signed by NARD’s National President, Dr. Tope Osundara; Secretary-General, Dr. Odunbaku Oluwasola; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Amobi Omoha.
The association said the decision followed assurances from the Federal Government to address its key demands, as well as the commencement of payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to members who were previously owed.
NARD explained that its National Executive Council (NEC), after an Extraordinary virtual meeting on Saturday, resolved to suspend the strike effective Sunday in consideration of Nigerians facing healthcare challenges amid economic hardship.
The association said the suspension allowed the government a two-week window to implement the demands outlined in its communiqué.
It also called on the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State branch, over issues affecting doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
NARD warned that failure to act would compel its National Officers’ Committee (NOC) to direct all members in Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike.
The association further urged other state governments to urgently address welfare challenges facing resident doctors in their states, noting that members in state tertiary hospitals were empowered to continue their industrial action until their concerns were genuinely addressed.
Resident doctors had embarked on the strike to press for improved welfare, better working conditions, payment of MRTF arrears, increased hazard allowances, replacement of exited doctors, and improved hospital infrastructure nationwide.
NARD said the suspension was a temporary measure to ensure patients could access medical care while it monitors government’s compliance with its commitments.
