The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended the planned resumption of its “Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike” (TICS 2.0), which was scheduled to begin on Monday, Jan. 12.
The decision was confirmed on Sunday in a statement issued by the association’s Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, following a virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC).
Ibrahim said the emergency meeting was convened to review the status of the association’s demands and assess progress made through ongoing engagements with key government stakeholders.
“The suspension is strategic and conditional, allowing room to objectively review tangible progress at the January NEC meeting scheduled to begin on Jan. 25,” he said.
According to him, the NEC unanimously agreed to suspend the strike after receiving firm commitments from the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare, Labour and Employment, and Finance.
Other stakeholders involved in the engagements include the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General, the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the Budget Office, Committees of Chief Medical Directors, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Assembly, and the Office of the Vice President.
Ibrahim said the commitments were secured following the direct intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
On the association’s demands, he said the committee set up to address the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, had implemented its recommendations, while a reconciliation committee had also been established to promote workplace harmony.
He added that verified lists for outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears had been forwarded to IPPIS, while the Ministry of Labour had engaged the Ministry of Finance to facilitate prompt payment.
Progress has also been recorded on the accoutrement allowance, while lists of promotion and salary arrears have been transmitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office for immediate action.
According to Ibrahim, the Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged receipt of the documents, with discussions ongoing to ensure speedy implementation of a workable payment plan.
He said clarification on skipping and entry-level placement, recognizing CONMESS 3 as the entry point, would be communicated to all chief executives of hospitals to ensure uniform understanding.
A multi-stakeholder committee has also been constituted to address issues related to locum practice and work-hour regulations, with preliminary meetings already underway to ensure compliance with national guidelines.
Ibrahim said concrete steps had been taken toward full implementation of the specialist allowance, while efforts were ongoing to address delays and arrears affecting house officers’ salaries through regulatory engagement.
He added that a separate committee had been established to handle membership re-categorisation in collaboration with relevant regulators and training institutions to ensure compliance with professional standards.
According to him, NARD would also engage with state-owned and private medical centres to ensure that salary and allowance arrears were cleared in line with gains recorded at the federal level.
On professional allowances, Ibrahim said the relevant circular had been issued, with full implementation expected to commence with January salaries and 18 months’ arrears captured in the 2026 budget.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to pushing for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for all doctors.
NARD had earlier announced plans to resume strike action from Jan. 12 over unresolved issues relating to welfare, promotions, allowances and working conditions, after suspending a nationwide strike in November 2025.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Friday issued an interim order restraining NARD, its members and agents from embarking on industrial action from Jan. 12, pending a hearing scheduled for Jan. 21.
The suit was filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Government against NARD and its leadership to ensure compliance with labour laws.
