The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite nationwide strike following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the federal government.
NARD had on November 1 declared a “total, comprehensive, and indefinite” strike to demand fair remuneration, payment of salary arrears, improved working conditions, adequate staffing, and essential medical infrastructure. The association also cited excessive workloads that they said compromise the quality of healthcare delivery in the country.
In a post on his X handle on Saturday, NARD president Mohammad Suleiman announced that the National Executive Council (NEC) had resolved to suspend the industrial action.
He said the decision followed a series of conciliatory meetings with government officials and the signing of an MoU outlining progress on the association’s 19-point demands.
Among the outstanding issues, Suleiman said promotion arrears are yet to be fully compiled by chief medical directors and medical directors (CMDs/MDs). He noted that the deadline for payment of the arrears is four weeks.
On salary arrears, he said the federal government has also set a four-week deadline, adding that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued a clear directive on the specialist allowance, with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) responsible for its implementation.
He added that a committee has recommended the reabsorption of the “Lokoja 5” into the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, with full implementation expected within two weeks.
The highlights of the MoU also include ongoing processes for the payment of the 25 percent and 35 percent allowances, as well as the accoutrement allowance.