The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike after receiving fresh commitments from the Federal Government on outstanding allowances, salary arrears, and training funding.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.
The communiqué, signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman and other top officials, followed renewed engagements with key government stakeholders.
What the statement is saying
The association said the suspension was based on assurances received from the Federal Government.
NARD noted that the NEC reviewed interventions by the Vice President and the Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance.
It also considered discussions with agencies, including the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and IPPIS.
- “The Federal Government had renewed its commitment to the payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to resident doctors,” the communiqué stated.
It added that approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, with a commitment to complete the disbursement process.
The association said these developments informed its decision to suspend the planned industrial action.
Get up to speed
The dispute between resident doctors and the Federal Government has persisted over unresolved welfare issues.
Earlier in 2026, the National Industrial Court restrained NARD from embarking on a planned strike scheduled for January.
The order followed ongoing disagreements over unmet agreements from previous negotiations.
The court barred the association and its leadership from participating in any industrial action pending further proceedings.
The intervention came amid rising tensions over allowances and working conditions.
The latest resolution marks a temporary easing of tensions between the two parties.
More insights
NARD said its earlier strike threat was triggered by policy reversals and delays in welfare implementation.
The association noted that the government had reversed its decision on the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), with implementation expected from April salaries.
It said the Budget Office had indicated readiness to begin payment of 19 months’ arrears of professional allowance.
However, NARD expressed concern over delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing the issue as persistent.
The association resolved to monitor progress and review developments at its May meeting in Kano.
It also demanded sustained implementation of the reviewed allowance structure and timely settlement of all outstanding payments.
What you should know
The suspension follows a history of industrial actions by resident doctors over welfare concerns.
- In November last year, NARD embarked on a nationwide strike that lasted 29 days.
- The strike was later suspended after negotiations with the Federal Government.
- The association has repeatedly called for improved welfare, timely salary payments, and better training support.
The latest development signals another attempt to resolve longstanding issues through dialogue.
NARD said it would continue to engage the government while monitoring compliance with the agreed commitments.
Interesting to see how the FG commitments shifted things. I wonder what the next steps will be for the doctors now.