NARD Calls Off Strike, Issues FG Two-week Ultimatum

By Aremu Toyeebaht

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its five-day warning strike, two days after it began. The association has also given the Federal Government an additional two-week ultimatum to meet its demands.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that the doctors had downed tools on Friday morning but suspended the action on Saturday night, with members directed to resume work today (Sunday).

The President of the association, Dr. Tope Osundara, disclosed this in a WhatsApp message on Saturday. He said, “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues. Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”

The doctors had issued a series of ultimatums before embarking on the strike — a 21-day ultimatum in July, extended by 10 days, which lapsed on September 10, followed by a final 24-hour deadline.

With the suspension of the warning strike, NARD said it is now giving the government an additional two weeks to fulfil its promises.

The doctors had embarked on the strike to press home their demands, which include the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund; settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review; and other long-standing salary backlogs.