The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its nationwide indefinite strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the decision on Saturday in a post on his X handle, saying the association’s National Executive Council resolved to halt the strike following “a series of conciliatory meetings” and the signing of a new memorandum of understanding (MoU).
The strike, which began on November 1, was called to demand fair remuneration, payment of salary arrears, improved working conditions, and the provision of critical medical infrastructure across public hospitals.
Dr. Suleiman said the MoU captures progress on the association’s 19-point demand, though some issues remain outstanding. He noted that promotion arrears were yet to be fully compiled by chief medical directors, but the government has committed to clearing them within four weeks.
On salary arrears, he confirmed a similar timeline, explaining that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has issued a clear directive on implementing the specialist allowance, to be executed by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
He added that a committee has recommended the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full implementation expected within two weeks.
According to him, the agreed steps also include ongoing processes for the payment of the 25 and 35 per cent allowances, settlement of outstanding accoutrement allowance, and other welfare-related commitments.
Dr. Suleiman said the suspension aims to give the Federal Government room to fulfill its obligations but stressed that doctors expect “timely and faithful implementation” of all agreements.
The resident doctors had earlier listed concerns such as excessive workloads, lapses in training support, and long-standing arrears, including the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund and salary backlogs from the 25–35 per cent CONMESS review.
They also demanded restoration of recognition for West African postgraduate certificates and the resolution of welfare issues affecting members in Kaduna and at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
