NARD Suspends Strike Plans Following Government Assurances

 The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended the proposed commencement of its industrial action, TICS 2.0, in compliance with assurances from government and renewed commitments to address doctors’ demands.

This was during an online meeting of E-NEC that occurred on 11 January and released to the public by the Secretary- General of NARD, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim. The meeting assessed the level of progress made during engagements with government agencies and other stakeholders.

NARD described the suspension as conditional, noting that progress would be reviewed at its next NEC meeting scheduled for 25 January 2026. The association also acknowledged the intervention of the Vice-President, Senator Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

With regards to the crisis in the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, NARD confirmed that the report of the committee previously set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has been implemented. There is also a new reconciliation committee consisting of the Chief Medical Directors and the Ministry, with the aim of ensuring that the resident doctors are in the hospital and that there is peace between ARD FTH Lokoja and MDCAN FTH Lokoja.

The NEC disclosed that the lists for the outstanding 25 per cent and 35 per cent arrears for CONMESS, as well as accoutrement allowance, have been submitted to the IPPIS. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has formally written to the Ministry of Finance, while NARD promises follow-ups for payment.

Concerning promotions and arrears in salary, NARD reported that the necessary lists have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Minister of State for Finance had received acknowledgement, although there are negotiations to facilitate quick payment.

In relation to skipping and placement at the entry level, the NEC stated: ‘the Director of Hospital Services in the ministry of Health will write a reminder letter to the CEOs of hospitals about the clarification from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation on the issue of skipping and placement and that indeed CONMESS Level 3 is the approved level of entry.

The meeting equally observed the level of progress made in the locum practices and working hour regulations, and a multi-stakeholder committee comprising the Ministry of Health, Chief Medical Directors, the Nigerian Medical Association, and NARD has commenced preliminary processes. Measures have equally been put in place for the implementation of the specialist allowance.

Regarding the welfare of the house officers, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has responded, while the Ministry of Health will continue to engage the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to liaise with IPPIS over delayed salaries, arrears, and pay advisories.

A committee chaired by the Director of Hospital Services has been set up to address membership re-categorisation, involving MDCN, postgraduate colleges, CCMDs, and NARD. NARD also resolved to work with state and private health facilities to ensure outstanding salary and allowance arrears are cleared and that recent gains at the federal level reflect across all tiers.

The NEC confirmed that the professional allowance circular has been released, with the Ministry of Health writing to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation for implementation beginning with the January salary. It was also assured that 18 months’ arrears would be included in the 2026 budget. Negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement are expected to resume.

Following these developments and firm assurances from stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Labour and Finance, IPPIS, the Budget Office, the National Assembly, and the Department of State Services, the NEC unanimously resolved to suspend the strike.

NARD expressed appreciation to its leadership and members nationwide for their support, expressing optimism that ongoing engagements will lead to lasting solutions to challenges in the health sector.