The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments from the Federal Government on key welfare issues.

The decision was reached after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually, signalling renewed engagement between doctors and government authorities aimed at preventing disruption across Nigeria’s healthcare system.

FG Promises Trigger Suspension

The strike, initially scheduled over unresolved disputes on salary arrears, allowances, and training funding, was called off after the Federal Government made key concessions.

Among the commitments are:

• Payment of outstanding salary and promotion arrears
• Improved welfare assurances for doctors
• Reinstatement of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT)
• Progress on the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund

These measures are expected to reflect in subsequent salary payments, according to NARD.

Background: Rising Tensions in Health Sector

The planned industrial action followed weeks of escalating tension between NARD and the government over compensation and working conditions.

Resident doctors had earlier issued ultimatums, warning of a total shutdown of services if their demands were not addressed.

However, high-level interventions involving stakeholders in the health sector helped de-escalate the crisis before it reached a critical stage.

Unresolved Issues Still Linger

Despite suspending the strike, the association noted that several concerns remain unresolved.

Key among them is the delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries, which NARD described as urgent.

The association also stressed the need for:

• Timely implementation of agreed reforms
• Consistent adherence to revised allowance structures
• Sustained government commitment to healthcare funding

NARD confirmed it will review the government’s compliance at its next general meeting, indicating the suspension is conditional.

Impact on Nigeria’s Healthcare System

The decision averts a nationwide disruption that would have significantly affected public hospitals, where resident doctors play a critical role in service delivery.

In Nigeria, resident doctors form a major part of the workforce in tertiary health institutions. A prolonged strike would have further strained an already overstretched system.

For policymakers, the situation highlights ongoing structural challenges in healthcare financing and workforce management.

Outlook

While the suspension provides immediate relief, the long-term resolution depends on the Federal Government delivering on its promises.

Sustained reforms in healthcare funding, welfare policies, and institutional accountability remain essential to preventing recurring labour disputes.

The coming weeks will serve as a test of government credibility and policy execution in Nigeria’s health sector.

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The Federal Government has commenced the long-awaited payment of salary arrears owed to resident doctors, raising hopes of easing tensions in Nigeria’s health sector.

The development was confirmed by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors through its Publicity Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim, who disclosed that disbursements have already begun for affected members.

According to the association, the payments cover arrears arising from the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), with some doctors receiving between one and six months’ outstanding wages.

Ibrahim noted that while many members have confirmed receipt of payments, others may experience slight delays as the process continues nationwide.

He explained that the August component of the arrears is currently facing minor administrative challenges, which could delay payments by up to two weeks.

Despite the delays, the association reassured members that all outstanding payments would be settled, urging patience among those yet to be credited.

The CONMESS salary structure, which governs the remuneration of medical and dental officers in Nigeria’s public sector, has been a recurring source of disputes between doctors and the government.

Delays in implementing salary adjustments and clearing arrears have, in the past, triggered strikes by resident doctors, disrupting healthcare services across the country.

Resident doctors, who form a critical part of Nigeria’s tertiary healthcare system, have consistently raised concerns over welfare issues, including unpaid salaries, poor working conditions, and the growing wave of medical brain drain.

Health sector analysts say thousands of Nigerian doctors have migrated abroad in recent years in search of better pay and improved working environments, further straining the country’s already overstretched healthcare system.

The latest move by the government is seen as part of broader efforts to address these concerns and prevent potential industrial action within the sector.

Ibrahim added that members with unresolved payment issues after the disbursement process should report through their respective centres for resolution.

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to the welfare of its members, expressing appreciation for their patience and resilience during the delay period.

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called on the Federal Government to immediately conclude a long-pending Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) as their nationwide strike entered its 15th day on Saturday.

The union is also demanding a comprehensive review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), describing it as outdated and insufficient to meet modern doctors’ needs.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), NARD said:
“Doctors deserve fair treatment and timely remuneration. The government’s delays in finalizing the CBA and reviewing salaries have left doctors struggling with rising living costs and declining morale.”

Strike Disrupts Healthcare Delivery Nationwide

The strike, which began earlier this month, has affected 91 hospitals across Nigeria, including federal teaching hospitals, specialist institutions, and federal medical centres. Medical services have been severely disrupted, impacting patient care nationwide.

NARD’s 19-point demand list includes:

• Payment of arrears under the CONMESS salary structure
• Disbursement of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund
• Timely payment of specialist allowances
• Recognition of postgraduate qualifications
• Improved working conditions for doctors

The union says these measures are essential to sustain doctors and maintain a functional healthcare system.

Government Response and Ongoing Concerns

President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Health to resolve the strike immediately, noting that the government is taking steps to address doctors’ demands. Despite this, NARD insists delays in finalizing the CBA and reviewing salaries continue to demoralize doctors, many of whom are struggling with rising costs while providing critical medical services.

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike over what it described as the Federal Government’s failure to meet its longstanding demands.

The association’s president, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday through NARD’s official account.

According to Suleiman, the decision followed the expiration of a 30-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.

He said the strike became inevitable after several unfulfilled promises and unimplemented agreements reached with the government despite multiple dialogues and appeals.

“We embark on this total and indefinite strike with a heavy heart, aware of the hardship it will cause patients. However, our demands are not selfish or politically driven. They focus on saving Nigeria’s collapsing health system and ensuring citizens receive quality care,” Suleiman stated.

He added that poor working conditions, unpaid arrears, inadequate facilities, and excessive workload have pushed many doctors to frustration and forced some to seek better opportunities abroad.

“Our fight is for a system where doctors can work in safe, supportive environments. An overworked and underpaid doctor cannot deliver optimal care,” he said.

The association listed its demands to include fair remuneration, improved infrastructure, payment of outstanding salaries, adequate staffing, and better welfare for medical personnel.

Suleiman called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, labour unions, and traditional leaders to support the strike, stressing that the action is aimed at rebuilding a functional healthcare system.

He appealed to the government to urgently address the demands so hospitals can reopen and doctors return to work.

Meanwhile, resident doctors in Abuja have announced their decision to join the strike over unresolved issues with the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

NARD had earlier notified the government of its plan to begin the industrial action on November 1, 2025.

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President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦25 billion for healthcare projects across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The funds will support the upgrade of hospitals and expansion of health services as part of the 2025 budget.

Announcing the allocation, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike said the investment reflects the government’s vision for a stronger healthcare system. He stressed that development in Abuja should go beyond roads and focus on improving essential services like hospitals.

At the same time, Wike revealed that the government has resolved a strike by resident doctors. Their demands included unpaid salaries, settlement of the 2025 Residency Training Fund, and full application of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS).

Wike directed senior officials to begin immediate implementation of the agreement. He also thanked doctors for suspending their strike, saying their cooperation shows commitment to public health.

The announcement was made during the commissioning of new roads in Abuja. According to Wike, the government’s plan is to make the capital a model city where infrastructure and healthcare progress side by side.

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