The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its planned indefinite nationwide strike following fresh commitments by the Federal Government on allowances, arrears, and training funding, averting a major disruption to the country’s already strained healthcare system. The decision is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, signed by the association’s President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
The suspension followed high-level engagements with key government officials and stakeholders, including the Vice President, Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance, as well as key agencies such as the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System. 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.
NARD noted that its earlier decision to embark on a total and indefinite strike arose from the Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table and other welfare concerns. However, the association observed that the decision to halt implementation has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent months. The NEC also noted that the Federal Government had renewed its commitment to the payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions nationwide.
According to the communiqué, initial approval has been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, with a firm commitment to conclude and finalise the disbursement process. The council further noted that the Budget Office had indicated readiness to commence the process for the payment of the outstanding 19 months’ arrears of the professional allowance. However, NARD expressed deep concern over the continued delay in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing the situation as persistent and requiring urgent attention.
On the basis of these developments, the NEC resolved to suspend the proposed strike action, noting that progress would be reviewed at its May Ordinary General Meeting scheduled to be held in Kano. The association demanded sustained implementation of the reviewed PAT as reflected in April salaries and in subsequent months, and called for the prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears. NARD further demanded the expedited conclusion and full disbursement of the 2026 MRTF, as well as the immediate commencement and timely completion of the process for the payment of the outstanding 19 months’ allowance arrears.
