Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its nationwide indefinite strike, directing members across the country to return to duty.
Gatekeepers News reports rhat in an interview with TheCable, NARD President Mohammad Usman Suleiman confirmed that the decision to suspend the industrial action followed a meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC). He said resident doctors have been instructed to resume work by 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
Suleiman noted that the suspension was based on fresh assurances from the Federal Government, particularly regarding the controversial suspension of the Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which was earlier scheduled to take effect from April 2026.
The NARD president noted that the government has pledged to reverse the decision, a development that influenced the association’s decision to temporarily return to work.
However, he stressed that the suspension is conditional, as the association has given the government until April 21 to fully address its demands. Suleiman warned that failure to meet the agreed terms within the stipulated timeframe would leave the doctors with no option but to embark on another strike.
The doctors’ demands reportedly include the full implementation of agreed allowances, improved welfare, and the resolution of longstanding issues affecting working conditions in public hospitals. The association also emphasised the need for timely payment of salaries and better funding of the health sector.
The latest development comes amid growing concerns over the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system, where repeated strikes by medical workers have continued to disrupt services nationwide.
