Nigerian Resident Doctors Cancel Strike After Government Welfare Deal

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) canceled a planned nationwide strike scheduled for August 10 after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria. The decision followed a three-hour meeting at the State House in Abuja convened by Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila to address long-standing grievances over salary arrears, promotions, and allowances.

As part of the deal, the government issued a directive ensuring house officers are paid by the 10th of every month and committed to fast-tracking the Collective Bargaining Agreement for the 2027 budget. To address safety concerns following reports of over 50 attacks on health workers in the last 10 months, the Presidency pledged to sponsor legislation making the assault of health workers an aggravated offense. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare was directed to increase hospital security and launch public education campaigns against violence toward medical staff.