Resident Doctors Suspends Strike, Sets Conditions For FG

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned open-ended nationwide strike after the Federal Government pledged to address outstanding allowances, unpaid arrears, and training funds.

The decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday, April 26.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

The association said the decision followed high-level engagements with key government officials and stakeholders across the health and public service sectors.

NARD said its NEC reviewed interventions by the Vice President, as well as the Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance, alongside discussions with agencies such as the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and IPPIS.

Other stakeholders involved in the talks included the Nigerian Medical Association and the Department of State Services.

The association explained 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 noted that the government had now reversed that decision, with implementation expected to take effect in April salaries and subsequent months.

The NEC also acknowledged renewed assurances from the government on the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors across the country.

It further disclosed that initial approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, with a firm commitment to finalise the disbursement process.

In addition, the Budget Office indicated readiness to commence the process for the payment of 19 months’ outstanding arrears of the professional allowance.

Despite the progress recorded, NARD expressed concern over the continued delay in the payment of salaries for house officers, describing the situation as persistent and urgent.

On the basis of the developments, the NEC resolved to suspend the planned strike, with a caveat that the situation would be reviewed at its Ordinary General Meeting scheduled for May in Kano.

The association demanded 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 in line with government commitments.

NARD further demanded the expedited conclusion and full disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.

It also urged authorities to immediately commence and complete the payment process for the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the allowance.

Additionally, the association called for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries.

The association said it would closely monitor the implementation of the agreements and take further decisions based on the level of compliance before its next statutory meeting.