The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government.
NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, announced the suspension in a post on his X handle on Saturday.
“The National Executive Council of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has resolved to suspend the ongoing total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action,” he wrote.
According to Suleiman, the decision followed several conciliatory meetings with government officials and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the status of the association’s 19-point demands.
He noted that among the unresolved issues is the payment of promotion arrears, which CMDs and MDs have yet to fully compile. The Federal Government has set a four-week deadline for the settlement of these arrears.
On salary arrears, Suleiman said payment is also expected within four weeks. He added that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has issued a clear directive on the specialist allowance, with implementation to be carried out by 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 implementation expected within two weeks.
Other highlights of the MoU include ongoing processes for the payment of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent allowances, as well as the accoutrement allowance.
NARD began its nationwide “total, comprehensive, and indefinite” strike on November 1, demanding fair remuneration, the clearance of salary arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and better medical infrastructure. The association also cited excessive workloads that, it said, compromise the quality of healthcare available to Nigerians.
Their demands further include the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent CONMESS review, and other longstanding salary backlogs. They also sought payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, prompt disbursement of specialist allowances, and restoration of recognition for the West African postgraduate membership certificates.
NARD additionally urged the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to issue membership certificates to all eligible candidates, implement the 2024 CONMESS, resolve welfare issues affecting doctors in Kaduna State, and address grievances raised by resident doctors at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso.
