Calabar: The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced its intention to review the circumstances surrounding the suspension of its proposed strike within a two-week timeframe. Dr. Emmanuel Idoko, the President-Elect of NARD, made this announcement during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NARD had initially declared an indefinite nationwide strike that commenced on November 1, 2025. The strike was in response to the alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement a 19-point agreement with the association. The strike was suspended after 29 days, following negotiations with the government that resulted in an agreement addressing some of the association’s demands.
Subsequently, NARD announced plans to resume the strike on January 12, over claims of the Federal Government’s non-fulfilment of the agreement. Idoko, who previously served as the Cross River Chairman of NARD, informed NAN that the decision to suspend the strike came after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima. Shettima appealed to the association to halt further strike actions and engage in continued discussions with the Federal Government.
Idoko emphasized that the strike has not been completely called off but is currently on hold. The association plans to reassess the situation at their next meeting and make decisions on future actions. He stated that strikes are not undertaken lightly by doctors, but are a response to challenges such as poor working conditions, inadequate facilities, and policies that negatively impact healthcare delivery.