The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite strike after 29 days of industrial action that disrupted health services across the country.
The strike, which began on November 1, 2025, involved about 11,000 resident doctors in 91 teaching hospitals.
The suspension followed deliberations at an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Saturday and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government.
The MoU addressed seven key demands, including the reinstatement of Lokoja doctors, release of the Professional Allowance Table, payment of promotion and salary arrears, implementation of specialist allowances, and resolution of membership certificate issues.
Speaking to our correspondent, NARD Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, said, “The strike was suspended following the Memorandum of Understanding we signed with the Federal Government regarding the seven conditions we would consider before suspending the strike. Two of the seven demands have already been met, while the remaining five are expected to be fulfilled within four weeks.”
He added, “The Professional Allowance Table has been released, and a directive has been given to the Head of Service that the entry level for doctors should be CONMESS 3. So, the strike has been suspended immediately.”
Dr Ibrahim warned that the association would not hesitate to resume the strike if the Federal Government fails to meet the remaining demands within the agreed timeframe.
“If the remaining demands are not met before the agreed timeline, we will resume the strike,” he said.
