The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments by the Federal Government on allowances, 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 was signed by President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
According to the communiqué, the suspension followed high-level engagements with key government officials and stakeholders.
NARD said the NEC reviewed outcomes of interventions by the Vice President and the Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance. It also considered discussions with key agencies, including the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and IPPIS.
Other stakeholders involved included the Nigerian Medical Association and the Department of State Services, among others in the health and public service sectors.
The association noted that its earlier decision to embark on a total and indefinite strike arose from the Federal Government’s reversal of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and other welfare concerns. However, the government’s reversal of that decision has now been undone, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent months.
The NEC also highlighted the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to paying all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors nationwide.
The communiqué stated that initial approval has been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with a firm commitment to finalise its disbursement. The Budget Office has also indicated readiness to commence the payment of the outstanding 19 months of professional allowance arrears.
However, the council expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing it as persistent and requiring urgent attention.
Based on these developments, the NEC resolved to suspend the proposed strike action, noting that progress would be reviewed at its May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.
NARD demanded sustained implementation of the reviewed PAT, prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and expedited disbursement of the 2026 MRTF. It also called for the immediate commencement and timely completion of the payment process for the 19 months’ allowance arrears and urged an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to resolve house officers’ salary delays.
The association added that it would continue to monitor implementation closely and take further decisions based on progress before its next statutory meeting.
