NARD to review strike suspension in two weeks

Says poor remuneration, weak health policies had led to relocation of many medical doctors from Nigeria

Edo Doctors commence strike over abduction of colleague

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) says it will review issues surrounding the suspension of its proposed strike within two weeks.

The President-Elect, Dr Emmanuel Idoko, made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Monday.

It would be recalled that NARD declared an indefinite nationwide strike that began on Nov. 1, 2025 following alleged Federal Government’s failure to implement a 19-point pact with the association.

The association however suspended the strike after 29 days following negotiations with the government and an agreement that addressed some of the demands.

It would be further recalled that NARD later announced new plans to resume another strike effective Jan. 12, over alleged non-fulfilment of agreement by the Federal Government.

Idoko, former Cross River Chairman of NARD, told NAN that the decision to suspend the strike followed a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima.

He said that Shettima appealed to the association to suspend further strike, and engage the Federal Government in further discussions.

“The strike is not called off yet, it was merely kept in abeyance. We shall reassess developments at our next meeting and decide on the next steps.

“Doctors do not embark on strikes for pleasure, we do so in reaction to poor working conditions, inadequate facilities and unfavourable policies that affect healthcare delivery,” he said.

The NARD official said that poor remuneration and weak health policies had led to the relocation of many medical doctors from the country.

Meanwhile, Doctors in Edo State have halted medical services across parts of the 18 local government areas as they continue their strike action over the abduction of one of their colleagues, Dr Ibrahim Babatunde.

Despite assurances from security agencies that efforts to secure his release are ongoing, the doctors said they could no longer work under an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.

The industrial action sparked concern among patients and their families, many of whom are now bearing the brunt of the disruption.

A relative of a patient who recently underwent an amputation described the strike as distressing, given the critical condition of their loved one.

Speaking to Channels Television, the Chairman of the Association of Resident Doctors at Edo Specialist Hospital, Benin City, Dr Paul Evbuomwan, expressed concern over the constant threat health workers face.

He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect both medical personnel and residents across the state.

The strike has left many hospitals operating at minimal capacity, raising fears over the provision of essential medical care in the state.

Security concerns over the safety of health workers has risen over the years, worsened by the spate of abductions in the country.