Patients and healthcare workers across Nigeria have expressed widespread relief following the suspension of a planned indefinite strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The strike, which was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, was halted after last-minute interventions by top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi.
Government Steps In, Doctors Back Down—For Now
NARD announced the suspension after a National Executive Council meeting, describing the decision as a show of goodwill and “cautious optimism” that authorities will address longstanding grievances.
In a joint statement signed by NARD President Dr Muhammed Suleiman and other executives, the association gave the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve critical issues, including:
- Delayed salaries and promotion arrears
- 19 months of unpaid professional allowances
- Non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund
- Suspension of the revised Professional Allowance Table
The group warned that failure to meet these demands would trigger an immediate resumption of the strike without further notice.
Hospitals Return to Normalcy
Across major hospitals, normal services resumed swiftly, bringing relief to patients and staff alike.
At Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), a consultant highlighted the crucial role resident doctors play:
“They’re the foot soldiers. Without them, patient care becomes severely limited.”
Patients also welcomed the development. One patient, Mrs Tina Badungs, recalled past disruptions and expressed hope that the government would act swiftly to prevent future strikes.
Similarly, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), medical services continued with only minor outpatient disruptions during the brief uncertainty.
A relative of a patient noted that prolonged strike action could have forced many patients to seek care elsewhere, emphasizing the urgency of a lasting solution.
Mixed Impact Across States
While some hospitals felt the tension of the looming strike, others experienced minimal disruption.
At Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, services remained largely uninterrupted. Local leadership indicated that ongoing engagement with state authorities delayed full participation in the strike before it was eventually suspended.
Countdown Begins
NARD has urged its members nationwide to remain calm but resolute, stressing that patience among doctors is wearing thin.
The association’s leadership will reconvene after the two-week deadline to assess the government’s response and determine next steps.
For now, Nigeria’s healthcare system breathes a temporary sigh of relief—but the clock is ticking.
