Abuja: The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned indefinite nationwide strike after the Federal Government pledged fresh concessions on allowances, arrears, and training funds.
NARD issued the decision in a communiqué after it concluded an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.
President Dr Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim signed the communiqué.
The communiqué stated that high-level engagements with key government officials and stakeholders led to the suspension.
NARD said the NEC meeting discussed how the Vice President and the Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance intervened, and the outcomes of these actions.
It also considered discussions with key agencies. These included the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and IPPIS.
Other stakeholders involved in the engagements 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 decision to call a total, indefinite strike arose from the Federal Government’s reversal of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT). Other welfare concerns contributed as well.
However, it was observed that the decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed PAT had been reversed, with implementation now scheduled to take effect from the April salary payments and to continue in subsequent months.
The NEC also noted that the Federal Government had renewed its commitment to paying all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions nationwide.
According to the communiqué, initial approval has been given for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). There is a firm commitment to finalise the disbursement process.
The council noted that the Budget Office is ready to begin paying the outstanding 19 months’ arrears on the professional allowance.
However, it expressed deep concern about continued salary delays for house officers. It described the situation as persistent and needing urgent attention.
Based on these developments, the NEC has resolved to suspend the proposed strike. Progress will be reviewed at the May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.
The association demanded continued implementation of the reviewed PAT, as reflected in April and subsequent salaries.
It also called for the prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears. This should follow the government’s renewed commitments to resident doctors.
NARD further demanded quick completion and full disbursement of the 2026 MRTF. Initial approval for this fund has already been secured.
The council called for the immediate start and timely end of the process to pay the outstanding 19 months’ allowance arrears.
It urged holding an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address the delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries. Continue to monitor implementation closely and take further decisions based on progress made before its next statutory meeting.
