Patients and healthcare workers across Nigeria have expressed relief following the suspension of a planned nationwide strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors.
The association had earlier scheduled an indefinite strike over issues including delayed salaries, unpaid allowances, and other welfare concerns. However, after last-minute interventions by top government officials, the strike was called off, with a two-week ultimatum given to the Federal Government to address the pending issues.
The decision followed engagements involving Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of Labour, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi.
In a statement signed by NARD President Dr Muhammed Suleiman and other executives, the association said it was suspending the strike as a sign of goodwill, while expressing “cautious optimism” that the government would act on its promises.
Despite the suspension, NARD warned that key demands must be resolved within two weeks. These include salary arrears, delayed promotions, unpaid allowances spanning 19 months, and the release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund. The association also insisted on the reversal of the suspension of the revised Professional Allowance Table.
Across hospitals, the development was met with relief. At Jos University Teaching Hospital, a consultant described resident doctors as the “foot soldiers” of the system, noting that their absence severely limits patient care.
Patients also welcomed the move. One patient expressed hope that the government would meet the doctors’ demands to avoid future disruptions in care.
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At the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, services continued with minimal disruption, though some outpatient services were briefly affected. Similarly, at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, activities remained largely normal, as local doctors had not fully joined the strike before it was suspended.
While work has resumed nationwide, NARD made it clear that failure by the government to take concrete and measurable action within the given timeframe would lead to an immediate resumption of the strike.
For now, hospitals are back to full operation, but uncertainty remains as both doctors and patients await the government’s next move.
