Nigerian resident doctors suspend a month-long walkout after talks with the government, easing major disruptions across public hospitals nationwide.
Nigeria’s public hospitals are set to resume full operations after the country’s resident doctors suspended a nationwide strike that had strained medical services for nearly a month. The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) announced the decision on Saturday November 29, 2025, following an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting convened to assess negotiations with the Federal Government.
The walkout, which began on November 1, 2025, had severely disrupted clinical activity in federal and teaching hospitals, where resident doctors make up the bulk of the medical workforce. Their absence forced public hospitals to reduce services, delay non-emergency surgeries and depend heavily on senior consultants and nurses to manage essential cases.
NARD said the suspension follows what it described as meaningful progress in its discussions with government officials. The association noted that several long-standing demands—including improved welfare packages, outstanding salary payments and commitments to strengthen hospital infrastructure—were acknowledged during negotiations.
While the union did not release the full list of resolutions reached, its leaders stressed that the decision to halt the strike does not indicate that all issues have been settled. Rather, it is a strategic pause intended to allow ongoing dialogue. NARD warned it expects authorities to fulfil all agreements reached and said it would reconvene its NEC if progress stalls.
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The strike had highlighted structural challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system, long affected by inadequate funding, dilapidated facilities and an exodus of medical professionals seeking better prospects abroad. Health analysts say these conditions have contributed to recurring tensions between medical unions and government officials, who face mounting pressure to address workforce morale and improve service delivery.
Throughout the industrial action, patient rights groups raised concern about the impact on vulnerable populations, including expectant mothers, children and individuals requiring uninterrupted treatment for chronic illnesses. Many civil society organizations urged a rapid resolution, warning that low-income families reliant on public hospitals were bearing the brunt of the disruptions.
Government representatives had repeatedly appealed for the strike to be suspended, citing financial constraints and broader economic challenges but insisting that health-sector reform remains a priority. Officials said the ongoing talks reflect their commitment to stabilizing hospital operations and addressing grievances raised by medical staff.
With the suspension now in effect, federal hospitals across major cities—including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu and Port Harcourt—are expected to restore full services in the coming days. Hospital administrators said they are ready to reintegrate resident doctors into duty rosters and resume postponed procedures.
NARD emphasized that returning to work demonstrates its commitment to patient care, even as negotiations continue. For millions of Nigerians dependent on public hospitals, the suspension provides immediate relief, while placing renewed responsibility on both sides to deliver long-term reforms capable of preventing future disruptions.
