The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended plans to resume its nationwide strike scheduled for Monday, January 12.
The decision was reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Sunday, according to a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim, saying the meeting reviewed the status of NARD’s outstanding demands and the progress made through ongoing engagements with government authorities.
He explained that the suspension is a strategic and conditional step, allowing time to assess concrete outcomes at the NEC meeting slated for January 25.
The decision followed assurances from key government institutions, including the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Labour, and Finance, as well as the Office of the Head of Civil Service, the Accountant-General’s Office, IPPIS, the Budget Office, Committees of Chief Medical Directors, the SSS, the National Assembly, and the Office of the Vice President.
According to Ibrahim, the commitments were secured through the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
On its demands, he said the committee addressing the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja crisis has implemented its recommendations, while a reconciliation committee has been set up to promote workplace harmony.
Verified records of outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears have been forwarded to IPPIS, with the Ministry of Labour engaging Finance to facilitate payment. Similar progress has been made on accoutrement allowance, while promotion and salary arrears have been submitted to the Ministries of Finance and the Budget Office.
The Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged receipt of the documents, with discussions ongoing to ensure prompt implementation of a payment plan.
Clarification recognising CONMESS Three as the entry point will be communicated to hospital chief executives, while a multi-stakeholder committee has been established to address locum practice and doctors’ work hours.
Ibrahim added that steps are being taken to fully implement the specialist allowance, resolve house officers’ salary delays, and address membership re-categorisation in collaboration with relevant regulators.
He said NARD is engaging state and private health institutions to ensure salary and allowance payments align with federal standards, adding that the circular on professional allowances has been issued, with implementation expected from January salaries and 18 months’ arrears included in the 2026 budget.
He reaffirmed NARD’s commitment to concluding negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for doctors.
NARD had earlier announced plans to resume strike action from January 12 over unresolved welfare, promotion, allowance, and working-condition issues after suspending a nationwide strike in November 2025.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued an interim order restraining NARD from embarking on industrial action pending a hearing scheduled for January 21, following a suit filed by the Federal Government.
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