Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Issue Fresh FG Ultimatum
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following renewed commitments from the Federal Government on allowances, salary arrears, and medical training funding.
The decision follows an emergency National Executive Council meeting where the association reviewed outcomes of high-level engagements involving the Vice President, Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance, as well as key government agencies such as the Budget Office and the Office of the Accountant General.
The suspension marks a continuation of earlier negotiations reported in April, when resident doctors had also temporarily stepped back from industrial action after assurances from government that were expected to improve healthcare delivery and safeguard child survival outcomes in public hospitals.
Resident doctors form a critical part of Nigeria’s healthcare workforce, particularly in emergency wards, pediatric units, and neonatal care services. Their continued presence in hospitals is expected to strengthen child health outcomes by improving access to timely treatment for infections, malnutrition, birth complications, and other life-threatening conditions affecting children.
From a child safeguarding perspective, stable hospital staffing also enhances the detection and response to cases of child abuse, neglect, and medical emergencies involving vulnerable minors. Health facilities often serve as first-contact points for identifying at-risk children and initiating protection protocols.
According to NARD, the suspension was influenced by government commitments to implement the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), pay outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and begin disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund. The association also noted plans to address the long-standing 19 months’ arrears of professional allowances.
However, concerns remain over delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, which NARD described as persistent and requiring urgent intervention. The association stressed that while the strike has been suspended, compliance will be closely monitored.
As part of the agreement, NARD issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to demonstrate concrete progress on its commitments. It warned that failure to meet these expectations could trigger a resumption of industrial action.
The suspension offers temporary relief to Nigeria’s public health system, particularly for children who depend heavily on government hospitals for essential care. However, stakeholders continue to emphasize that sustained implementation of agreements is critical to preventing future disruptions and strengthening healthcare delivery nationwide.
