The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.
NARD President, Mohammad Suleiman, announced the decision in a post on his X handle on Saturday, saying the association’s National Executive Council had resolved to call off the “total, indefinite and comprehensive” industrial action.
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He explained that the suspension followed several conciliatory meetings with government officials and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlining progress on the association’s 19-point demand.
Suleiman noted that some issues remain unresolved, including the payment of promotion arrears, which he said CMDs and MDs have yet to fully compile. The deadline for settling the arrears is four weeks.
On salary arrears, he said the government also has four weeks to complete payment. He added that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had issued a clear directive on the specialist allowance, with implementation now in the hands of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
He further disclosed that a committee has recommended the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full compliance expected within two weeks.
The MoU, according to him, also covers ongoing arrangements for the payment of the 25 and 35 per cent allowances, as well as the accoutrement allowance.
NARD began its nationwide strike on November 1, demanding fair pay, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and better medical infrastructure. The doctors also raised concerns about excessive workloads, which they said compromise healthcare delivery.
Their demands include immediate payment of the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the revised Consolidated Medical Salary Structure, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates.
They also urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to eligible candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve outstanding welfare issues in Kaduna State, and address challenges facing resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
