Resident doctors suspends nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, NARD,has suspended its planned nationwide strike. The association said it suspended the planned strike action following the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima who stepped in to address the critical concerns raised by the aggrieved doctors.

The National President of NARD, Dr Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed this after a meeting by its National Executive Council, NEC. He said the Vice President contacted NARD leadership and issued directives that led to the resolution of several outstanding issues, while appealing for additional time to allow other matters to be addressed.

“Following his intervention, the National Executive Council, NEC, of the association convened and unanimously resolved to respect the President’s efforts and halt the strike action that was scheduled to begin on January 12. This decision was reached just a few hours ago, and more information will be communicated shortly.”

He added that a detailed communiqué outlining the resolutions and next steps would be released in the coming days.

“Once I am fully recovered, I will also address the press to explain these issues in greater detail. For now, we are giving the government additional time to act in good faith.”

The suspension offers temporary relief to millions of Nigerians who depend on public health facilities and underscores ongoing negotiations aimed at averting a full-scale disruption of medical services nationwide.

NARD had on January 3 announced plans to resume a Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike, known as TICS 2.0, from January 12. The association said the action was due to the Federal Government’s failure to implement agreements reached with resident doctors, including those contained in a Memorandum of Understanding.

The decision to embark on the strike was taken at an Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on January 2.