The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike following the federal government’s commitment to begin immediate payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, confirmed the decision in a message to THISDAY on Sunday, directing members to resume duties without delay. “Our strike has been suspended, doctors are to resume work today. Some of our demands have been met. One of them is the payment of the Medical Residency Training Fund. Government has also promised to look into other issues,” he said.
The doctors had downed tools on Friday after the expiration of a 24-hour grace period that followed their 10-day ultimatum, disrupting healthcare services nationwide. Their leaders met with the Ministers of Labour and Employment and State for Health and Social Welfare over the weekend, where government conveyed its readiness to pay the MRTF.
While the payment prompted the suspension, NARD noted that several other demands remain unresolved. These include unpaid arrears, manpower shortages, the downgrade of membership certificates, a corrected remuneration circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, and five months of arrears from the 25–35 per cent CONMESS review.
Osundara explained that the strike was called off in good faith. “We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities,” he said.
