In a noteworthy turn of events, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its planned industrial action, initially set for tomorrow.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the association’s Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, the decision was taken at a virtual Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on January 11, 2026, where council members engaged in over three hours of extensive discussions to review progress made on its outstanding demands and ongoing engagements with government agencies.
Representatives of NARD assessed the recent progress achieved through a series of constructive meetings and interventions facilitated by well-meaning Nigerians.
The discussions, NARD explained, indicated that significant advancements had been made regarding the demands put forth by resident doctors, reflecting a commitment to improving conditions within the healthcare sector.
The E-NEC’s resolution to halt the planned strike highlights the association’s willingness to engage in dialogue and collaboration to address ongoing issues within the medical community. It signifies a collective hope for positive change and better working conditions for rigorous medical practitioners.
While the immediate threat of industrial action has been alleviated, NARD has emphasized its vigilance towards the fulfillment of all outstanding demands. The National Executive Council (NEC) is scheduled to reconvene on January 25th in Jos to re-evaluate the level of progress made and to ensure that the commitments discussed are effectively implemented.
The Statement reads in part:
*STATUS OF OUR DEMANDS*
*1*. *FTH Lokoja Crisis:*
The report of the earlier committee set up by FMoH&SW has been implemented. Additionally, a new reconciliation committee comprising CCMDs, MoH&SW, and NARD has been established to ensure all our members remain in FTH Lokoja and also to broker lasting peace between ARD FTH Lokoja and MDCAN FTH Lokoja, fostering harmony among parties.
*2. Outstanding 25%/35% CONMESS Arrears:*
Verified lists have been forwarded to IPPIS. The Federal Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMoLE) has written to the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF) and with attention to IPPIS. NARD will continue close follow-up to ensure prompt payment.
*3. Outstanding Accoutrement Allowance:*
Progress as above.
*4. Promotion and Salary Arrears:*
Lists have been transmitted by FMoH&SW to the FMoF and Budget Office. Importantly, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged it and NARD is now engaging to ensure a clear and expedited payment plan.
*5. Skipping / Entry Level Placement:*
The Director of Hospital Services (DHS) at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMoH & SW) is to communicate with the Chief Executives of hospitals regarding a clarification issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). This clarification is to emphasizes that CONMESS 3 is the recognized entry-level.
*6. Locum Practice & Work-Hour Regulation:*
A multi-stakeholder committee comprising FMoH&SW, CCMDs, NMA, and NARD has been constituted. Preliminary activities have commenced ahead of formal inauguration.
*7. Specialist Allowance:*
Concrete steps have been taken toward full implementation.
*8. House Officers’ Welfare:*
The FMoL&E had intervene and FMoH&SW will formally engage MDCN to communicate with IPPIS on salary delays, arrears, and issuance of pay advisories.
*9. Membership Re-Categorization:*
A committee chaired by the Director of Hospital Services (DHS) has been set up to engage MDCN, CCMDs, postgraduate colleges, and NARD.
*10* *Implementation/Issues of Salary Arrears & Allowance in state and private facilities* NARD to work closely with the affected centres to ensure Salary and Allowance Arrears are cleared while ensuring the new gains at federal level is also palpated at the state level.
*11. Professional Allowance Table:*
The circular has been released. MoH&SW has written to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) for full implementation beginning with the January salary. NARD is following up closely. Assurances have also been given that 18 months arrears will be captured in the 2026 Budget.
*12. Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA):*
NARD will continue to push for immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations.
*KEY RESOLUTION*
*Following firm commitments from critical stakeholders—including FMoH&SW, FMoL&E, FMoF, OHCSF, OAGF, IPPIS, DG Budget, CCMDs, the National Assembly, DG DSS, and notably the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria—and based on the direct presidential intervention led by His Excellency, Senator Kashim Shettima (GCON), acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the resumption of TICS 2.0.*
*This suspension is strategic and conditional, allowing room to objectively review tangible progress at the January NEC meeting commencing 25th January 2026.*
The NEC remains confident that the timely and decisive intervention of the *Vice President* will culminate in a lasting resolution of the protracted challenges confronting Nigeria’s health sector.
This suspension of action comes at a crucial time for the Nigerian healthcare system, where resident doctors play an essential role in patient care and medical training. Stakeholders and the public alike will be watching closely as NARD assesses the situation in the coming days.
In light of this development, NARD leadership has expressed gratitude to all those involved in the negotiations, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring a conducive working environment for healthcare professionals across Nigeria.
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