The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned strike that was scheduled to begin on January 12, 2026.
NARD’s secretary-general, Shuaibu Ibrahim, announced the strike suspension in a statement released on Sunday. The decision came after Vice-President Kashim Shettima intervened and secured commitments from key stakeholders to address the doctors’ concerns.
The resident doctors had initially planned the industrial action following their emergency national executive council meeting on January 2. The National Industrial Court in Abuja had also issued an interim injunction on January 9, preventing the association from proceeding with the strike.
During Sunday’s national executive council meeting, NARD reviewed its demands and evaluated the progress made through discussions with government officials. Ibrahim stated that the association received firm commitments from critical stakeholders, leading to the suspension.
Key achievements include the implementation of recommendations from a committee established by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. A new reconciliation committee has been formed to maintain peace at Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja and resolve disputes between resident doctors and medical consultants.
The government has also taken steps to address salary-related issues. Verified payment lists have been submitted to the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), while the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance regarding outstanding payments.
The Minister of State for Finance has acknowledged receipt of payment lists and NARD is working to ensure a clear timeline for disbursement. Additionally, the Federal Ministry of Health will clarify that CONMESS 3 remains the recognized entry-level salary structure for resident doctors.
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