Nigerian Resident Doctors Suspend Strike: A Familiar Pattern?

The news that the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its month-long strike offers a temporary reprieve to a healthcare system constantly battling disruption. Twenty-nine days of suspended services across the nation’s hospitals is significant. It shines a spotlight yet again on the recurring challenges within Nigeria’s medical sector. It makes you wonder, what really changed this time?

This particular strike, which started November 1, 2025, involved an estimated 11,000 resident doctors across federal and state teaching hospitals. The impact on healthcare delivery, undoubtedly, was substantial. NARD’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, cited the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Government as the catalyst for the suspension. The agreement hinged on seven conditions laid out by the association.

Two of these demands, concerning the release of the Professional Allowance Table and placement of doctors at CONMESS 3 entry level, were reportedly met. The remaining five touch upon more complex issues. Reinstatement of doctors in Lokoja, settling arrears, upgrades for eligible doctors, specialist allowance, and resolving the Membership Certificate matter constitute the core. These unresolved issues are supposed to be addressed within four weeks, according to the agreement.

Here’s where a dose of skepticism feels warranted. We’ve seen this play out before. Promises made, agreements signed, and then… well, sometimes progress stalls. The government’s track record on fulfilling such agreements hasn’t always been stellar. NARD, understandably, is keeping that option open, stating that the strike will resume if the government fails to meet its obligations within the agreed timeframe. That’s a strong message, and it highlights the level of distrust that clearly exists.

The underlying issues fuelling these strikes are multi-faceted. They touch on working conditions, remuneration, career progression, and broader systemic problems within Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. The brain drain of medical professionals seeking better opportunities abroad only compounds these challenges. Why stay when you can earn exponentially more, with better resources and a less stressful environment, elsewhere? That’s a question many doctors grapple with daily.

It’s worth noting the specific demands this time around. The reinstatement of doctors in Lokoja suggests previous disciplinary actions or disputes that haven’t been adequately resolved. Arrears in payment are a constant source of frustration. Any delay in salary payments, however small, for medical professionals is unprofessional. Upgrades and specialist allowances directly impact career growth and earning potential. These concerns contribute to the overall dissatisfaction.

Looking ahead, simply meeting the terms of this MoU, while necessary, is insufficient to address the root causes of these recurring disputes. We need a fundamental shift in how the government values and supports its healthcare workforce. That entails sustained investment in infrastructure, better management practices, and creating a more attractive environment for medical professionals to remain and thrive in Nigeria. Otherwise, expect this cycle of strikes and temporary resolutions to continue.

This suspension offers a moment of hope, a chance for both sides to demonstrate good faith and commitment. However, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether this is a genuine step towards lasting resolution or merely a temporary pause in an ongoing crisis. The Nigerian people, whose health and well-being depend on a functioning healthcare system, deserve better than the constant threat of disruption.

In any case, the situation calls for close monitoring. The four-week deadline will be a critical test. It will show whether the government can deliver on its promises. It will show whether NARD is willing to engage constructively.

The larger concern, though, extends beyond this particular strike. Until the underlying systemic problems are addressed, Nigeria’s healthcare system will remain vulnerable to these disruptions. Improving funding, addressing corruption, and modernizing infrastructure are vital, long-term solutions that demand urgent attention. Only then can we hope to break free from this frustrating cycle and build a healthcare system worthy of the Nigerian people.

The suspension of the strike is welcome news. Yet, it’s a fragile peace. The real work – the hard work of building a sustainable and equitable healthcare system – has only just begun. Let’s hope this time, things will be different. Let’s hope the government does not need to be threatened with another strike before meeting the needs of its resident doctors.

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Keywords: Nigerian resident doctors strike, NARD strike Nigeria, Nigeria healthcare system, resident doctors demands, doctors arrears payment, CONMESS salary scale, doctors brain drain, Nigeria healthcare funding