The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) on allowances, salary arrears, and training funding.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, April 26.
The statement was jointly signed by NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
NARD said the resolution followed high-level engagements with key government officials and stakeholders across the health and public service sectors. The NEC reviewed interventions by the Vice President, as well as Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance, alongside discussions with agencies including the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Other stakeholders involved in the negotiations included the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The association noted that its earlier decision to embark on an indefinite strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table. However, it confirmed that the government has now reinstated the implementation, expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent months.
The NEC also acknowledged renewed assurances on the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors nationwide. It further disclosed that initial approval has been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, with a commitment to complete the disbursement process.
Additionally, the Budget Office signalled readiness to commence payment of 19 months’ outstanding arrears of the professional allowance.
Despite the progress, NARD expressed concern over persistent delays in the payment of salaries for house officers, describing the issue as urgent.
Based on these developments, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike, with a review scheduled at its Ordinary General Meeting in May in Kano.
NARD, however, urged sustained implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table as reflected in April salaries and beyond. It also called for the prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears, expedited disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, and immediate action to clear the 19 months’ arrears.
The association further demanded an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address delays in house officers’ salaries, adding that it would closely monitor compliance with the agreements ahead of its next statutory meeting.
