The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike that began on September 12, 2025, following assurances from the Federal Government to meet some of its critical demands.
NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara confirmed in a statement that the decision was made after an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, taking into account the government’s commitment to begin the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) to beneficiaries.
The strike suspension, effective from Sunday, September 14, 2025, was described as a goodwill gesture to support Nigerians seeking healthcare amidst difficult economic conditions.
While some demands, such as the commencement of MRTF payments, have been addressed, Osundara acknowledged that several issues remain unresolved. These include unpaid salary arrears, manpower shortages, downgrade of membership certificates, and the release of a corrected circular on doctors’ remuneration from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC).
The doctors also pressed for the settlement of five months’ arrears arising from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) review and other longstanding salary backlogs.
The Federal Government representatives, including the Minister of Labour and Employment and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, engaged with NARD leadership over the weekend to discuss the positions.
The strike had severely disrupted healthcare services nationwide, with public hospitals overstretched due to the absence of resident doctors.