The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its five-day warning strike.
It has also given the Federal Government a fresh two-week deadline to meet outstanding demands.
NARD members had downed tools on Friday morning but called off the action on Saturday night, with doctors directed to resume work on Sunday.
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the decision in a message sent to NewsDen.
He said the suspension was to ease the burden on Nigerians in need of healthcare.
“Some of our demands have been met, while the government has promised to address others. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians seeking healthcare in our facilities,” Osundara said.
The association had earlier issued a series of ultimatums before the strike, including a 21-day notice in July, a 10-day extension that expired on September 10, and a final 24-hour deadline.
The resident doctors are demanding, among others, immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.
In addition, they want the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all qualified candidates, full implementation of the 2024 CONMESS, resolution of welfare issues in Kaduna State, and redress of grievances affecting doctors at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
The strike had disrupted services in public hospitals nationwide, leaving consultants and other health workers overstretched and patients facing delays.
In a communiqué issued after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, NARD said the suspension followed the government’s commitment to address some of its concerns and the commencement of payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to members previously excluded.
The communiqué, signed by Osundara; the General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Omoha Amobi, stated that the strike was suspended effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, to give the government a two-week window to fulfil the demands.
The association also urged the Oyo State Government to comply with the 15-day ultimatum earlier issued by the Nigerian Medical Association’s Oyo State branch over lingering issues at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, warning that failure to do so could lead to an indefinite solidarity strike.
It further appealed to other state governments to resolve outstanding welfare concerns affecting resident doctors in their jurisdictions.
NARD reiterated its commitment to working with all levels of government to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
