- NARD suspends planned strike after government pledges on allowances
- FG promises payment of arrears and implementation of new salary structure
- Doctors warn action may resume if agreements are not fully honoured
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.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency National Executive Council meeting held virtually on Saturday, April 26.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the communiqué was jointly signed by the NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary General, Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Abdulmajid Ibrahim.
According to the association, the decision followed 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 including 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 stated that its earlier decision to embark on an indefinite strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.
However, it noted that the government has now reversed that decision, with implementation expected to reflect 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 nationwide.
It further disclosed that initial approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, with a commitment to finalise the disbursement process.
In addition, the Budget Office indicated readiness to begin the process for the payment of 19 months outstanding arrears of the professional allowance.
Despite the progress, NARD expressed concern over delays in the payment of salaries for house officers, describing the situation as persistent and urgent.
On the basis of these developments, the NEC resolved to suspend the planned strike, with a caveat that the situation will be reviewed at its Ordinary General Meeting scheduled for May in Kano.
The association called for sustained implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table as reflected in April salaries and beyond.
It also demanded prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears in line with government commitments.
NARD further urged the expedited conclusion and full disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund.
The association also called on authorities to immediately commence and complete the payment of the 19 months outstanding arrears of the allowance.
Additionally, it urged an urgent stakeholders meeting to address delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries.
The association said it would continue to monitor the implementation of the agreements and take further decisions based on the level of compliance before its next statutory meeting.
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