The National Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its planned nationwide strike that was scheduled to resume on Monday, following fresh commitments from the Federal Government and other key stakeholders.
The association said the suspension is conditional and will be reviewed at its next National Executive Council meeting slated to begin on January 25, 2026.
The decision was reached during a virtual Emergency National Executive Council meeting held on January 11, according to a communiqué signed by the Secretary General of the association, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim. The meeting reviewed progress on the doctors’ outstanding demands and ongoing engagements with relevant government institutions.
NARD said the decision was influenced by assurances from agencies including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant General, IPPIS, the Budget Office, chief medical directors, the National Assembly and the Department of State Services.
The association also cited the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, as critical to the suspension.
According to the communiqué, progress has been recorded on several issues, including steps toward payment of outstanding CONMESS arrears, promotion and salary arrears, and the resolution of the Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja crisis.
NARD added that measures are underway to reaffirm CONMESS 3 as the entry point for resident doctors, implement specialist allowances and regulate locum practice and work hours through a newly constituted multi stakeholder committee.
The association further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to address house officers’ welfare, professional allowances and salary arrears across federal, state and private health facilities.
The doctors had earlier announced plans to resume a Total, Indefinite and Complete Strike from January 12 over alleged failure by the government to honour previous agreements. However, the National Industrial Court in Abuja last week restrained the association from proceeding with the strike.
