The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Tuesday announced the suspension of its planned nationwide strike following an understanding with the Federal Government of Nigeria on key demands, including payment of outstanding allowances and improvements in doctors’ welfare.
The decision came after an emergency meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council, where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and resolved to give dialogue another opportunity.
According to the association, the suspension was informed by “progress made” in negotiations, particularly commitments on the prompt payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and steps toward resolving issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Although NARD did not declare a full resolution of the dispute, it noted that the government had shown “renewed willingness” to address concerns that triggered the strike threat.
Resident doctors in Nigeria have repeatedly clashed with the federal government over welfare issues, including irregular salary payments, inadequate hazard allowances, and poor hospital infrastructure. These recurring disputes have contributed to brain drain in the health sector, with many Nigerian doctors seeking opportunities abroad.
The University College Hospital President, Dr Uthman Adedeji, disclosed that the strike was suspended in line with directives from the national body. He noted that NARD directed members nationwide to resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Dr. Adedeji explained that the decision followed the federal government’s reversal of its stance on the revised professional allowance and a commitment to address other outstanding issues raised by the association.
The crisis originated from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table negotiated between NARD and the federal government after a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026, delays pushed the rollout to February. NARD alleged that the government’s planned discontinuation of the process by April undermines trust and violates prior agreements.
