The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its month-long nationwide strike after securing renewed commitments from the Federal Government to address outstanding allowances, welfare concerns, and working conditions across public hospitals.

The decision was reached during an extraordinary executive council meeting held on Saturday, where representatives from teaching hospitals and federal medical centres reviewed updates from negotiations with the government.

In a statement issued after the meeting, NARD said the suspension followed “meaningful progress” in discussions, particularly on the payment of outstanding Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), hazard allowances, and the backlog of other entitlements owed to its members.

According to the association, government negotiators provided firm timelines for the commencement of payments and pledged to accelerate implementation of previously agreed welfare packages to improve hospital working conditions.

“The Association acknowledges the commitments made by the Federal Government and, in the interest of Nigerians who have endured the impact of this industrial action, hereby suspends the strike,” the statement said.

Hospitals across the country are expected to gradually resume full services as resident doctors return to duty posts. Patients had over the past month faced significant disruptions in admissions, surgical procedures, and emergency care due to the industrial action.

NARD, however, cautioned that the suspension should not be interpreted as an end to the dispute, stressing that it will closely monitor compliance with all agreed resolutions. The association warned that failure by the government to fulfill its promises could trigger a fresh round of action.

“We will not hesitate to reconvene if the timelines are not met. Our members’ welfare and the state of healthcare delivery remain our priority,” the association noted.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is expected to issue a follow-up implementation plan in the coming days.

The strike, one of the longest in recent years, had amplified long-running tensions over poor remuneration, underfunding of training programmes, and deteriorating work environments in government-owned hospitals.

With the suspension now in effect, stakeholders hope that the commitments secured will pave the way for more stable industrial relations and improved healthcare services nationwide.

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