By Wealth Oghenemaro
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike just two days after it commenced, giving the Federal Government a two-week grace period to fulfill agreements on members’ welfare and training.
The industrial action, which began on September 12, was called off after a virtual Extraordinary National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting on Saturday, September 13. Following the resolution, doctors are set to resume work from 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14.
According to a statement jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, and Secretary General, Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, the suspension was influenced by the commencement of payments of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to doctors who were previously owed. The association also cited the need to ease the suffering of Nigerians who are already under pressure from the current economic challenges.
“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 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to allow the government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communique,” the statement read in part.
NARD further urged the Oyo State Government to act swiftly on the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Oyo State chapter, regarding lingering issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso. The doctors warned that failure to comply would lead to an indefinite solidarity strike in the state.
The statement also empowered members in state-owned tertiary hospitals to continue with their industrial action until their respective governments show concrete commitment to resolving outstanding welfare issues.
