Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors suspends nationwide strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide industrial action, previously scheduled to begin on August 10. The decision follows high-level discussions with government officials, including Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu.

NARD leadership stated that the meetings produced concrete agreements regarding salaries, promotions, allowances, and various welfare concerns. The association has resolved to extend the strike suspension until August 31, at which point they will review the implementation of these agreements. The group emphasized that the suspension is a demonstration of goodwill and not an abandonment of their demands, which include the payment of salary arrears and medical residency training fund entitlements.

Separately, the association has raised concerns regarding the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration. NARD accused FCT authorities of victimizing members of the FCT chapter's Executive Council by issuing queries after they communicated the national body's planned industrial action. The association has called on FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to intervene and withdraw these queries to prevent further escalation of tension within the health sector.