Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Gives FG Fresh Ultimatum

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has ended its five-day warning strike, issuing a new two-week ultimatum to the Federal government to fulfill its outstanding demands.

NARD President, Tope Osundara, declared the suspension in a statement released on Saturday, September 13.

“Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work on Sunday, September 14. 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 previously issued multiple ultimatums before the strike, beginning with a 21-day notice in July, later extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10. It then provided a final 24-hour notice before initiating the industrial action.

In a communiqué signed by President Tope Osundara, General Secretary Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity Secretary Omoha Amobi, NARD announced the strike would be suspended from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, allowing the government a two-week period to address its demands.

The statement highlighted that the decision was made after considering the struggles of Nigerians facing health challenges amid the current severe economic conditions.

The doctors’ demands include the immediate release of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, payment of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) salary review, settlement of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and prompt disbursement of specialist allowances. They also called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to recognize West African postgraduate membership certificates and urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates.

NARD also issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Oyo State Government to address welfare issues affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, cautioning that failure to comply would lead to an indefinite solidarity strike by its members in the state.

The association further stated that resident doctors in state-owned tertiary hospitals could continue their ongoing strikes until their respective governments demonstrate a sincere commitment to resolving outstanding issues.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli