By Our Correspondent
National News – Hospitals across Nigeria resumed normal medical services on Tuesday after the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) suspended its planned nationwide strike following high-level negotiations with federal authorities.
The industrial action, which was scheduled to begin indefinitely, was halted after government officials intervened and promised to address longstanding welfare concerns affecting resident doctors.
The strike threat emerged due to unresolved issues including delayed salaries, unpaid professional allowances, promotion arrears, and the non-release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
However, after discussions involving Vice President Kashim Shettima, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate, and Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, NARD agreed to suspend the strike for two weeks to allow the government implement concrete solutions.
The decision was announced in a joint statement signed by NARD President Muhammed Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
According to the association, the suspension demonstrates goodwill while giving the Federal Government a final opportunity to resolve the lingering welfare issues affecting resident doctors nationwide.
At several hospitals including Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State Specialist Hospital, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, and Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, patients and medical staff expressed relief as services continued without major disruptions.
Doctors explained that resident physicians play a critical role in hospital operations, often serving as the frontline workforce responsible for patient care.
Their absence during strikes usually overwhelms consultants and reduces the capacity of hospitals to attend to routine medical cases.
Patients also welcomed the development, urging the government and doctors’ union to reach a lasting agreement that will prevent repeated industrial actions in the healthcare sector.
Many said frequent strikes disrupt treatments and force families to seek costly alternatives in private hospitals.
NARD, however, warned that if the Federal Government fails to address key demands within the two-week ultimatum, the association will immediately resume the suspended strike without further notice.
The union emphasised that measurable progress on salary arrears, allowances, and the revised professional allowance table must be achieved.
The association added that its National Executive Council will reconvene after the deadline to evaluate government compliance and decide the next course of action.
