The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day nationwide warning strike after a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on September 13, 2025.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NARD said the Federal Government had pledged to address key demands, including the “commencement of payment of the 2025 MRTF to members who were hitherto owed.”
The statement, signed by NARD President Osundara Tope, Secretary-General Odunbaku Oluwasola, and Publicity and Social Secretary Amobi Omoha, emphasized that the strike was called off to ease the suffering of Nigerians already facing harsh economic realities.
“After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action effective 8 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué,” the statement read.
NARD further urged the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) over lingering issues at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. It warned that failure to do so could trigger an indefinite solidarity strike by doctors across the state.
The association also encouraged other state governments to promptly resolve welfare-related challenges facing resident doctors.
“In line with the NEC resolution, members in state tertiary hospitals are empowered to continue their industrial action until their respective governments demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing their concerns. NARD remains committed to working with all levels of government to ensure a healthy Nigeria for all,” it added.
Resident doctors, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s emergency healthcare services, began the strike on September 5 after the expiration of a 24-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government. The action followed an earlier 10-day deadline, which expired on September 10 without resolution.
NARD’s demands include the immediate release 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 other salary backlogs. The group also seeks payment of 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, timely specialist allowances, recognition of West African postgraduate certificates, and implementation of the 2024 CONMESS.
Additional demands include resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State and improved working conditions for doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital.
Government’s Response
Minister of State for Health, Isaq Salako, had earlier expressed optimism that dialogue with NARD would prevent the strike. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, he admitted that about 40 per cent of the 2025 residency training allowance remained unpaid.
“The National Association of Resident Doctors has issued an ultimatum, but I believe with the level of conversation ongoing, we are making progress,” he said.
Salako added: “It is my hope, and that is what we are working on, that the matter will be resolved before the ultimatum expires.”
What You Should Know
NARD suspended its strike after securing government promises to meet key demands, including payment of residency training funds and salary arrears.
However, the association warned that doctors in Oyo and other states may continue industrial actions until their concerns are resolved, keeping the possibility of fresh disruptions alive.
