(DDM) — The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has officially suspended its indefinite strike, which lasted 29 days, following an agreement with the federal government.
The decision was reached during an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Saturday, according to NARD officials. The meeting brought together leaders from across the country to review the progress of ongoing negotiations and the commitments made by the government.
The strike began on 1 November 2025 after the expiry of a 30-day ultimatum issued by NARD. The association had demanded improved welfare packages, better working conditions, and payment of long-standing salary arrears for resident doctors in federal teaching hospitals.
DDM gathered that the industrial action involved about 11,000 resident doctors working in 91 teaching hospitals across Nigeria. The strike caused significant disruptions in health service delivery, with thousands of patients unable to access care for both emergency and routine medical procedures.
The Secretary-General of NARD, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, confirmed the suspension in a statement to reporters, emphasizing that the association decided to call off the strike in response to ongoing government commitments and the progress of negotiations. He urged the government to honor all agreements promptly to prevent further industrial disputes.
Hospitals are expected to gradually resume normal operations as resident doctors return to duty. Health facilities, particularly in tertiary care centers, will need some days to stabilize patient services fully after nearly a month of disrupted medical activities.
Industry analysts note that this suspension marks a temporary reprieve in one of the most disruptive nationwide strikes in recent memory.
The dispute highlighted long-standing systemic issues in Nigeria’s health sector, including underfunding, poor infrastructure, and inadequate remuneration for frontline medical staff.
Health policy experts have urged the government to adopt a proactive approach to workforce welfare to prevent future disruptions.
They emphasize that sustained dialogue between health professionals and authorities is crucial for ensuring stability in Nigeria’s medical sector.
NARD’s decision to suspend the strike reflects a willingness to collaborate with the federal government in addressing structural and welfare-related challenges in the health sector.
It also underscores the power of organized health workers to negotiate for better conditions and influence public policy through collective action.
The resolution is expected to restore public confidence in federal teaching hospitals and improve access to critical medical services nationwide.
Patients who had been affected by the strike can now anticipate resumption of emergency care, elective procedures, and routine consultations in hospitals across Nigeria.
Observers describe the outcome as a victory for both dialogue and patience, with resident doctors demonstrating professionalism by agreeing to suspend the strike while continuing discussions with the government.
As negotiations continue, the federal government is under pressure to implement all agreed-upon measures to avoid another nationwide industrial action that could further strain Nigeria’s health system.