The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its indefinite nationwide strike, which commenced on November 1. This decision follows a series of conciliatory meetings with the federal government and the subsequent signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) addressing the doctors' 19-point demands. NARD president, Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed the suspension on a Saturday, noting it was resolved by the National Executive Council. The strike, which had lasted 29 days, had previously led to a comprehensive grounding of services across federal hospitals, raising significant concerns about patient safety and the well-being of physicians due to unsustainable duty practices.

The industrial action was initiated after the federal government allegedly failed to address long-standing issues. The doctors' primary demands included fair remuneration, prompt payment of salary arrears, and significantly improved working conditions. They also called for adequate staffing through the implementation of a one-for-one replacement policy to counter manpower shortages, particularly exacerbated by the migration of health workers abroad. Concerns about excessive workloads and prolonged duty hours were central to their grievances, which they stated directly compromised the quality of healthcare provided to Nigerians. Other demands encompassed the provision of essential medical infrastructure, delayed promotions, and the inclusion of house officers in the civil service scheme.

Details of the MoU highlight several agreed-upon steps and timelines for resolution. Regarding promotion arrears, NARD president Suleiman indicated that while compilation by chief medical directors and/or medical directors (CMDs/MDs) is ongoing, a deadline of four weeks has been set for payment. A similar four-week deadline was established for the payment of salary arrears. The MoU also specified that the office of the head of the civil service of the federation (OHCSF) has issued a clear directive on the specialist allowance, with its implementation delegated to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC). Furthermore, a committee recommended the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full implementation anticipated within two weeks. Ongoing processes were also outlined for the payment of the 25 and 35 percent allowances, as well as the accoutrement allowance, indicating progressive steps towards fulfilling the doctors' demands. The strike has been suspended for four weeks to allow for the implementation of these agreements.