Doctors, FG Reach Truce to Suspend Planned Strike

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has reached an agreement with the Federal Government to suspend its planned nationwide strike following a high-level meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting, which lasted about three hours, was convened at the instance of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and involved key government officials responsible for health, labour, finance and budget matters.

Among those in attendance were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate; officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System.

Speaking after the meeting, NARD President, Dr. Muhammad Suleiman, said the discussions produced concrete commitments from the government on virtually all outstanding issues.

“Today, I can tell you, our matters are solved,” Suleiman said.

He explained that both parties agreed on timelines for resolving salary arrears, promotions, allowances and other welfare concerns that had prompted the association to consider industrial action.

According to him, agreements were also reached on meal allowances at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, while the government committed to ensuring prompt salary payments for house officers.

He disclosed that a standing directive had been issued requiring salaries of house officers to be paid before the 10th day of every month.

Suleiman added that discussions also covered the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the association and the Federal Government, with the Ministries of Labour and Health directed to accelerate negotiations so that agreed provisions can be accommodated in the 2027 budget.

The association also raised concerns over the growing number of attacks on healthcare workers across the country.

According to Suleiman, the Ministry of Health pledged to strengthen security in federal hospitals, create safer working environments and embark on public awareness campaigns against assaults on medical personnel.

He further revealed that Gbajabiamila had promised to champion legislation that would classify attacks on health workers as aggravated offences.

Although Suleiman expressed confidence that the intervention had substantially resolved the dispute, he said the association’s National Executive Council would make the final decision on formally calling off the planned strike after reviewing the outcome of the meeting.