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The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has said it would review issues surrounding the suspension of its proposed strike within two weeks.
NARD declared an indefinite nationwide strike that began on November 1, 2025 following alleged Federal Government’s failure to implement a 19-point pact with the association.
NARD, however, suspended the strike after 29 days following negotiations with the government and an agreement that addressed some of the demands.
NARD later announced new plans to resume another strike effective yesterday over alleged non-fulfilment of agreement by the Federal Government.
The demands by the association include welfare, promotion, allowance and issues of working conditions.
NARD President-Elect, Dr Emmanuel Idoko, said yesterday that the decision to suspend the strike followed a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima.
The former Cross River chairman of NARD, said Shettima appealed to the association to suspend further strike and engage the Federal Government in further discussions.
“The strike is not called off yet, it was merely kept in abeyance. We shall reassess developments at our next meeting and decide on the next steps.
“Doctors do not embark on strikes for pleasure, we do so in reaction to poor working conditions, inadequate facilities and unfavourable policies that affect healthcare delivery,” he said.
The NARD official said poor remuneration and weak health policies had led to the relocation of many medical doctors from the country.
Meanwhile, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has said it did not discharge patients on admission over the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)’s proposed strike on Jan. 12, the ARD President, Dr. Uthman Adedeji, said.
Adedeji said patients on admission were not discharged as the strike had not commenced at the hospital.
“Doctors nationwide have returned to work, reposing confidence in the leadership of Dr Mohammed Sulaiman and the NOC.
“NARD reiterates its appeal to Nigerians and stakeholders to support the implementation of the MoU.
“The association appreciates the intervention of the Vice President, which led to the suspension of the planned industrial action,” he said.
Adedeji urged the doctors to remain committed and trust the process, while encouraging patients to amplify their support for the doctors’ legitimate demands for improved healthcare services.
“NARD is hopeful the MoU issues will be resolved by January 25, 2026, when progress is reviewed at the National Executive Council.
“We remain committed to better healthcare for Nigerians and urge the government to keep its commitments,” Adedeji said.
