The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike, following the commencement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) payment to members who had been owed.

 

In a memo issued on Sunday and signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, Secretary-General, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Amobi Omoha, the association said the decision came after a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting held on September 13, 2025.

 

The strike, which began on September 12, was suspended effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, to give the Federal Government two weeks to implement the agreements contained in NARD’s communiqué.

 

Dr. Osundara explained that the action was taken as a gesture of goodwill to reduce the hardship faced by Nigerians seeking healthcare during the strike. “We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” he said.

 

Aside from the MRTF payment, NARD highlighted other unresolved demands, including:

 

Payment of five months’ arrears from the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review.

 

Settlement of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

 

Prompt release of a corrected circular on doctors’ remuneration by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

 

Resolution of certificate-related issues with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

 

 

The association also warned the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Oyo branch over unresolved welfare issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. NARD cautioned that failure to act could trigger an indefinite solidarity strike by resident doctors in the state.

 

NARD further urged other state governments to swiftly address welfare challenges in their tertiary hospitals, noting that its members in affected states were empowered to continue with industrial action until genuine commitments are made.

 

The association reaffirmed its commitment to working with all levels of government to improve doctors’ welfare and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.