Nigeria’s resident doctors have suspended their planned strike and will resume work after the government pledged to address key welfare and payment issues.
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government of Nigeria on key welfare issues. The decision followed an emergency National Executive Council meeting where members reviewed government assurances on outstanding payments and agreed to continue negotiations.
The association said the suspension was based on “progress made,” including commitments to pay salary arrears, hazard allowances, and address concerns surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund. While noting that the issues have not been fully resolved, NARD acknowledged a renewed willingness by the government to engage and address longstanding grievances.
NARD directed all resident doctors to resume work nationwide by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. The dispute, rooted in disagreements over welfare packages and the implementation of a revised professional allowance structure, has been a recurring issue, contributing to ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, including the migration of doctors abroad.