The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide strike earlier scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, following renewed assurances from the federal government and other key stakeholders in the health sector.

The decision was reached after a virtual emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council on Sunday. NARD said the suspension will remain in effect until January 25, when progress on its demands will be reassessed.

In a statement signed by Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association described the move as a strategic and conditional step, allowing room to evaluate outcomes from ongoing engagements with relevant authorities.

NARD explained that the decision was influenced by firm commitments from agencies including the Federal Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance, as well as other institutions overseeing healthcare administration. The group also acknowledged the involvement of the National Assembly, the Department of State Services, and intervention from the Presidency led by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

The development follows an interim ruling by the National Industrial Court, which had directed NARD and its members to suspend the planned strike pending the hearing of a substantive motion scheduled for January 21.