The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, giving the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to fulfil outstanding commitments on doctors’ welfare and training.
The strike, which began on September 12, was suspended following an extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
In a communiqué signed by NARD President, Dr Osundara Tope, and Secretary-General, Dr Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, the association confirmed that payments of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) had commenced for members, prompting the decision to step down industrial action.
“After due deliberations, and considering the plight of Nigerians grappling with health challenges in the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action to allow government a two-week window to address our demands,” the statement read.
The doctors also renewed pressure on the Oyo State Government over unresolved welfare issues at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. They warned that failure to resolve the crisis within 15 days, as earlier directed by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), would trigger an indefinite solidarity strike across the state.
NARD further urged all state governments to urgently address welfare conditions of doctors in their respective tertiary hospitals. It stressed that members in such state-owned institutions would remain on strike until credible commitments were made.
Reaffirming its stance, the association said it remains committed to dialogue but insisted that government at all levels must demonstrate sincerity to ensure quality healthcare delivery across the country.
