Nigeria’s healthcare system has received temporary relief as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) suspended its nationwide strike after 29 days of crippling industrial action across public hospitals. The doctors’ union announced the suspension after a marathon meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), saying the decision was taken “in the interest of Nigerians whose access to care has been badly affected” and to give the federal government a final opportunity to implement outstanding agreements.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the NEC meeting, NARD said the strike was being called off for an initial two‑week period to allow the government to demonstrate “good faith and concrete commitment” to resolving the doctors’ demands. The association stated that members would resume work immediately but warned that the suspension was “conditional and subject to review” if authorities failed to meet key timelines on payment of arrears, improved hazard allowances, the Medical Residency Training Fund, and the replacement of exited residents.
NARD explained that the strike, which grounded services in most federal and state teaching hospitals, was triggered by long‑standing grievances that had “lingered for years despite several ultimatums and signed memoranda.” The doctors accused the government of reneging on previous agreements and treating their welfare with “utter disregard,” even as they continued to bear the burden of an under‑funded health system, brain drain, and rising cost of living.
The communiqué quoted the association as saying, “We cannot in good conscience watch our members work under dehumanising conditions while promises remain on paper. However, in recognition of the suffering of ordinary Nigerians and following fresh assurances from the federal government, the NEC has resolved to suspend the industrial action for two weeks, effective immediately.”
It added that all chapters had been directed to fully reopen services but to remain “on red alert” should negotiations collapse. They warned that any failure to honour the latest commitments would leave the association with “no option but to resume the strike without further notice,” stressing that this time, members would be “more resolute than ever” in pressing for fair pay and decent working conditions.
