In a significant development for Nigeria's health sector, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially suspended its nationwide industrial action. The decision brings relief to public hospitals after a 29-day strike that commenced on November 1, 2025.
Agreement Reached After Extraordinary Meeting
The suspension was announced following an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Dr. Mohamed Suleiman, the President of NARD, confirmed to press that the decision was reached after successful negotiations with the Federal Government.
According to Dr. Suleiman, the breakthrough came with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the doctors' union and government representatives. The association's National Executive Council reviewed the terms and implementation timeline detailed in the MOU before concluding that suspending the strike was the most prudent course of action.
Key Demands and Implementation Timeline
The resident doctors had presented the government with 19 legitimate demands, which they described as essential for a sustainable healthcare system and restoring dignity to medical practice in Nigeria. Among the critical issues that triggered the industrial action were:
- Non-payment of the outstanding 25%/35% upward review arrears of CONMESS, which should have been fully settled by the end of August 2025
- Non-payment of promotion arrears owed to Medical Officers in various Federal Tertiary Health Institutions
- Failure of the Federal Government to pay arrears of the 2024 accoutrement allowance
- Unjust dismissal of five Resident Doctors from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja
Dr. Suleiman emphasized that the suspension is with immediate effect, and all resident doctors are expected to return to their duty posts without delay. The association has given the government at least four weeks to demonstrate commitment by implementing some of the agreed-upon resolutions.
Context of Healthcare Challenges
The strike occurred against a backdrop of widespread burnout among healthcare professionals and the ongoing "JAPA" syndrome (brain drain), which has seen many Nigerian doctors seek opportunities abroad. The resolution of this industrial action is seen as crucial for stabilizing the healthcare system and addressing the welfare concerns that have contributed to the exodus of medical professionals.
The 29-day strike period highlighted the critical role resident doctors play in Nigeria's healthcare delivery system, particularly in public tertiary hospitals where they form the bulk of medical personnel.
