The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its five-day nationwide warning strike, effective Sunday, September 14, 2025, after receiving assurances from the Federal Government that their key demands would be addressed.
The association confirmed that the Federal Government had committed to clearing the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) arrears, a major issue that triggered the strike action. NARD leadership noted that the decision to suspend the industrial action followed a series of engagements with government representatives, who pledged to expedite the payment process.
In its statement, NARD emphasized that while the Federal Government had shown willingness to resolve the immediate concerns, vigilance would be maintained to ensure that promises are translated into action. The association warned that any failure to fulfill commitments could trigger a fresh round of strikes.
Beyond the federal-level demands, NARD issued a strong warning to the Oyo State Government over unresolved welfare matters affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital. The association expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s handling of the situation and cautioned that an indefinite solidarity strike could be declared if urgent steps were not taken.
“The plight of our members at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital remains unacceptable. Unless the Oyo State Government addresses these welfare concerns without delay, NARD will have no choice but to escalate its action,” the statement read.
The suspension of the strike has brought temporary relief to patients and healthcare facilities nationwide, where services had been disrupted over the past week. However, both the medical community and the public remain watchful, as the resolution of long-standing disputes between doctors and government authorities continues to shape the stability of Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
