The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its 29-day nationwide strike
After the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) met part of its demands.
In a statement released after an emergency meeting on Saturday, NARD said the suspension followed a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the union and the government, under which the FG agreed to begin implementing some of the doctors’ outstanding demands.
According to the union, two of its key demands have already been addressed — the release of the Professional Allowance Table and adoption of a new entry-level salary band (CONMESS 3) for doctors. The remaining issues, including payment of promotion and salary arrears, reinstatement of dismissed doctors, resumption of specialist allowances, and other welfare measures, are to be completed within a four-week window as stipulated by the MoU.
While NARD has directed all its members to resume duties immediately, it warned that the pause is temporary and conditional. Should the FG fail to fulfil the remaining commitments within the agreed timeframe, the strike will be resumed without further notice.
With the strike suspended, services in hospitals nationwide are expected to gradually return to normal. However, patients and health-care stakeholders remain cautiously alert, as the union continues to pressure for swift implementation of all outstanding demands.
