The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike following the Federal Government’s reversal of its earlier decision on the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) and renewed assurances on outstanding payments.
The decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.
The association had earlier declared an indefinite strike over the suspension of the revised allowance structure and other unresolved welfare issues affecting resident doctors nationwide. However, it said it reconsidered its position after reviewing the outcome of high-level engagements with government officials and key health-sector stakeholders.
In the communiqué signed by NARD President Dr Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association confirmed that the Federal Government had reversed its stance on the allowance table.
“The NEC observed that the earlier decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in the April salary and beyond,” the statement said.
NARD also noted renewed commitments by the government to settle outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.
The association further disclosed that initial approval had been secured for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), with assurances that the disbursement process would be completed.
“The NEC observed that the Budget Office has indicated its readiness to commence the process for the payment of the outstanding nineteen months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance,” the communiqué added.
Despite the progress, NARD expressed concern over delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, urging urgent action to resolve the issue.
Following its deliberations, the NEC called for the sustained implementation of the reviewed allowance structure, prompt payment of all outstanding arrears, and expedited disbursement of the residency training fund. It also demanded the immediate commencement of the process to clear the 19-month arrears and the convening of an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address delays affecting house officers’ salaries.
“In light of the above developments, the NEC resolves to suspend the proposed total, indefinite, and comprehensive strike action, with a review of progress to be undertaken at the May Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Kano,” the statement said.
NARD also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, as well as relevant ministers, government agencies, and stakeholders for their interventions in resolving the dispute.
