The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments by the Federal Government of Nigeria 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.
The communiqué, jointly signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, said the move followed high-level engagements with key government officials and stakeholders.
According to the association, the NEC reviewed interventions involving the Vice President and the Ministries of Health, Labour and Finance, alongside discussions with agencies such as the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
NARD said its earlier decision to embark on a strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), among other welfare concerns.
However, it noted that the government has now reversed that decision, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and continue subsequently.
The association also confirmed renewed government commitment to the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors across affected institutions nationwide.
On training support, NARD said initial approval has been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with assurances that the disbursement process will be finalised.
The NEC further noted that the Budget Office had indicated readiness to begin the process of paying the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance.
Despite the progress, the association expressed concern over continued delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing the issue as persistent and in need of urgent resolution.
Based on these developments, NARD said it resolved to suspend the planned strike, with a review of progress scheduled for its next Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.
The association called for sustained implementation of the reviewed PAT, prompt payment of all outstanding arrears, and speedy disbursement of the MRTF.
It also urged the immediate commencement of payment processes for the 19 months’ arrears and the convening of an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address the delay in house officers’ salaries.
NARD added that it would continue to closely monitor the situation and take further decisions depending on the level of compliance with the government’s commitments.
