By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced its decision to suspend its nationwide warning strike, five days after it began.
NARD announced that the decision to suspend the warning strike was made during its virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on September 13, 2025.
The group said the latest move comes amid ongoing negotiations with the federal government, which they claim has committed to addressing several long-standing demands of the resident doctors.
This was contained in a statement signed by NARD’s President, Osundara Tope; its Secretary-General, Odunbaku Oluwasola; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Amobi Omoha.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
NARD also called on the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Oyo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to address the lingering issues affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
“Failure to do so will compel the NOC of NARD to direct all members within Oyo State to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike.
“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.”
The New Diplomat reports that NARD, in a statement issued on September 1, 2025, had demanded immediate payment of an outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, and other long-standing salary backlogs demands.
The statement outlined key demands relating to healthcare and medical education in Nigeria.
It also called for the payment of what it called “2024 accoutrement allowance arrears and the timely disbursement of specialist allowances”.
