Nigeria’s healthcare system has secured a temporary relief as the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike, while issuing the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to address its longstanding demands or risk a total shutdown of services.The decision was reached during an emergency virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Tuesday, where members assessed recent interventions by senior government officials, including the Vice President and the Ministers of Health, Labour and Finance, as well as the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).In a communiqué released at the end of the meeting, the association described the suspension as a show of goodwill following renewed engagement by the Federal Government, but warned that doctors’ patience was fast running out.The communiqué was jointly signed by NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.Despite expressing “cautious optimism” over ongoing discussions, NARD lamented the persistent delay in resolving key welfare issues, including unpaid promotion arrears, salary backlogs, and the suspension of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT).The association particularly decried the non-payment of 19 months’ arrears of professional allowances owed to resident doctors nationwide, as well as delays in the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).According to the doctors, these unresolved issues continue to erode morale and pose a serious threat to the sustainability of healthcare delivery across the country.NARD demanded the immediate reversal of the PAT suspension, full settlement of all outstanding arrears, and prompt release of training funds within the two-week window.It warned that failure by the Federal Government to take “concrete, measurable and verifiable” steps within the stipulated period would lead to an automatic resumption of the suspended strike—this time without prior notice.Observers say the development highlights growing tensions between healthcare workers and the government, raising fresh concerns about the stability of Nigeria’s already strained public health sector.While acknowledging the efforts of key stakeholders, including top government officials and security agencies, NARD urged swift implementation of all agreements reached to prevent another healthcare crisis.The association also appealed to its members to remain calm but resolute, stressing the need for unity in the push for improved welfare and fair treatment.With the deadline now in motion, millions of Nigerians are anxiously watching, as the outcome of negotiations could determine whether the country faces yet another disruption in its healthcare services.
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