The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its indefinite strike shortly after it began, warning that industrial action could resume within 12 days if authorities fail to meet its demands.
The doctors’ union is pressing for the reinstatement of the Physicians’ Adjustment Template (PAT), which it says is due to be halted from April 2026, as well as the immediate payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears.
Other demands include the timely release of the 2026 Medical Training Residency Fund (MTRF) and the clearance of 19 months’ worth of unpaid PAT arrears.
NARD said the decision to suspend the strike was reached after deliberations by its National Executive Council, while urging members to remain resolute in pursuing improved welfare conditions.
Deputy Leader of the South-West Caucus, Salmon Oladapo, confirmed that doctors would return to work from Wednesday morning.
“The strike has been suspended, and work resumes at 8am tomorrow. We will review the situation again in two weeks,” he said, expressing hope that the government would act swiftly.
Despite the earlier strike declaration, hospital services appeared unaffected in some areas. At Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, patients continued to access care without interruption.
The latest development underscores ongoing tensions between medical professionals and the government over pay, funding, and working conditions in Nigeria’s healthcare sector.
