The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide indefinite strike following a series of negotiations and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government. The strike, which began on November 1, 2025, had severely affected service delivery in federal and state teaching hospitals across the country.
According to reports, the suspension followed an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting where NARD reviewed the government’s latest commitments. The association explained that the decision to suspend the action was taken as a gesture of goodwill, giving authorities a defined window to address outstanding issues. While significant progress has been recorded on many items within the doctors’ 19-point demand list, several critical concerns remain unresolved.
NARD confirmed that issues such as the payment of revised allowances, including the 25% and 35% wage reviews, accoutrement allowance, and the Postgraduate Training Allowance, are now at an advanced stage of implementation. Matters affecting house officers and the correction of entry-level placement for resident doctors have also been addressed. In addition, the association noted that previously contentious locum-contract procedures have been halted, and work-hour regulations are being reviewed in line with international best practices.
Despite these developments, important gaps remain. Promotion arrears and some salary backlogs have not yet been paid, as many hospitals are still compiling required documentation. The government has been given a four-week deadline to complete these processes. The issue of the “Lokoja Five” resident doctors disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja also remains outstanding, although the government has committed to their reabsorption within two weeks. Implementation of the newly approved specialist allowance has been formally directed by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission expected to finalize modalities.
The suspension does not signify a resolution of the dispute but rather marks the beginning of a monitoring period during which NARD will observe government compliance. The association has emphasized that failure to adhere to agreed timelines may trigger a resumption of the strike. Other sources note that while government representatives insist that most demands have already been addressed, NARD maintains that only concrete implementation not promises will restore confidence.
The strike, described by the association as “total and comprehensive,” was driven by longstanding concerns about welfare, training conditions, arrears spanning several years, and persistent gaps in hospital infrastructure nationwide. Its suspension is expected to ease pressure on the health sector as resident doctors resume clinical duties across major tertiary centres. Nevertheless, the association stresses that the stability of healthcare services will depend on the government’s ability to fulfill its commitments within the agreed timeframe.
