NARD suspends warning strike, grants FG two weeks to fulfill agreements

After launching a 5-day warning strike on September 12, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) called off the industrial action and gave the federal government a fortnight to meet their welfare and training demands.

The strike was halted following an extraordinary virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (E-NEC) on September 13, where members decided to resume duties starting 8:00 a.m. on September 14. This pause comes as payments from the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund began reaching members owed arrears.

According to the joint statement from NARD President Dr. Tope Osundara and Secretary-General Dr. Odunbaku Kazeem Oluwasola, the decision considered the difficulties faced by Nigerians needing healthcare amid economic challenges. They emphasized that the council’s resolution aims to give the government time to implement all pending agreements comprehensively.

NARD also reminded the Oyo State Government to adhere to the 15-day ultimatum issued by the Nigerian Medical Association’s Oyo branch to resolve longstanding issues affecting doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.

Failure to address these concerns, the association warned, will trigger an indefinite solidarity strike directed by NARD’s National Officers Committee for all members in Oyo State. Moreover, the group urged state governments nationwide to address their staff’s welfare consistently.

Doctors attached to state tertiary facilities were encouraged to maintain their local industrial actions until verifiable steps are taken by their administrations to respond to their grievances.