The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has officially suspended its 29 day nationwide strike after the Federal Government met part of its demands, bringing temporary relief to patients and public hospitals across the country.

The decision was announced after an emergency meeting held by the association’s national leadership. The doctors said the suspension was based on commitments made by the government following intense negotiations over salary arrears, allowances and welfare improvements.

Hospitals across Nigeria have already begun reopening services following the announcement, with resident doctors returning to wards, emergency units and outpatient departments. For many families who were affected by the shutdown, the news came as a major relief after weeks of delayed treatments and postponed surgeries.

Strike May Resume if Government Fails to Keep Promises

Despite suspending the strike, the association made it clear that the action is only on hold and not permanently cancelled. The doctors warned that they would not hesitate to resume the strike if the Federal Government fails to meet the remaining demands within the agreed timeline.

Union leaders explained that while part of their demands were addressed, several welfare issues are still unresolved. These include outstanding payments, improved working conditions and better funding for public hospitals. They stressed that the suspension was issued in good faith to give the government time to fulfill its promises.

A statement issued by the association said its members are committed to patient care, but cannot continue to work under conditions that threaten their wellbeing and professional dignity. The group also urged federal authorities to act swiftly to avoid another disruption in healthcare services.

The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, acknowledged the agreement with the doctors and confirmed that steps have been taken to implement parts of the deal already reached.

Many health experts have described the suspension of the strike as a positive step, but cautioned that long term solutions are needed to prevent frequent shutdowns of medical services in the country. Public hospitals remained under pressure throughout the 29 day strike, as patients flooded private hospitals or were forced to seek backyard treatment.

The strike, which began after repeated warnings from the doctors, had crippled government hospitals nationwide. Emergency cases were mostly handled by skeletal staff, while elective surgeries and specialist consultations were suspended in many centres.

For patients, the return of doctors means a gradual restoration of normal health services across federal teaching hospitals and medical centres. However, health advocates continue to urge the government to address the root causes of recurring industrial actions in the health sector.

As things stand, resident doctors have resumed work, but the situation remains under close monitoring by both the union and government officials. All eyes will now be on whether the agreed actions will be fully implemented within the promised timeline.