The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its planned strike following an understanding reached with the Federal Government over key demands, including the payment of outstanding allowances and improvements in doctors’ welfare.
The decision was reached after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and agreed to allow further dialogue.
NARD stated that the suspension was based on “progress made” during negotiations, particularly commitments relating to the prompt payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and steps toward resolving issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Although the dispute has not been fully resolved, the association noted that the government demonstrated a “renewed willingness” to address the concerns that led to the strike threat.
The recurring disagreements between resident doctors and the Federal Government have largely centred on welfare issues, including irregular salary payments, inadequate hazard allowances, and poor hospital infrastructure.
These ongoing challenges have contributed significantly to the migration of Nigerian doctors abroad in search of better working conditions.
Meanwhile, Uthman Adedeji, President of the University College Hospital branch of NARD, confirmed that the suspension aligns with directives from the national body.
Adedeji disclosed that the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, during which members nationwide were instructed to resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
He explained that the decision followed the Federal Government’s reversal of its earlier stance on the revised professional allowance and its commitment to address other outstanding issues raised by the association.
The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table agreed upon after a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages such as call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.
Although the implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026, delays shifted the rollout to February. However, NARD had raised concerns that the government planned to discontinue the process by April, a move the association said could undermine trust and violate prior agreements.
What you should know
NARD has suspended its planned strike after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government on key welfare issues affecting resident doctors.
While not fully resolved, the agreement signals progress in negotiations and prevents a potential healthcare disruption.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s health sector, including welfare concerns and brain drain, as authorities work to implement promised reforms and maintain stability in medical services.