Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Resume Work Today

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide warning strike, two days after it began.

The industrial action, which commenced on Friday, had disrupted medical services in public hospitals, leaving consultants and other health workers to manage heavy caseloads.

NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, announced the suspension in a message late Saturday, directing members to resume duty today.

“Some of our demands have been met, while the government has promised to address the others. We are suspending the strike as a sign of goodwill and to ease the burden on Nigerians seeking healthcare in our facilities,” Osundara stated.

The doctors had embarked on the strike to press for the 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) review, and clearance of outstanding salary backlogs.

Other demands include payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and issuance of certificates to eligible candidates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

They also urged the Federal Government to implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare challenges affecting doctors in Kaduna State, and address lingering issues at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Although the strike was suspended, details of which demands have been met were not immediately disclosed.