JUST IN: Resident Doctors Suspend Strike After Meeting with Federal Govt
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Tuesday announced the suspension of its planned strike after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government on key demands, including the payment of outstanding allowances and improvements in doctors’ welfare.
The decision followed an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and agreed to give dialogue another opportunity.
NARD stated that the suspension was based on “progress made” during negotiations, particularly commitments to the prompt payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and efforts to resolve issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Although the dispute has not been fully resolved, the association noted a “renewed willingness” by the government to address the concerns that led to the strike threat.
Resident doctors in Nigeria have long had disagreements with the Federal Government over welfare-related issues, including irregular salary payments, inadequate hazard allowances, and poor hospital infrastructure—factors that have contributed to the ongoing brain drain in the health sector.
The President of the University College Hospital chapter, Dr Uthman Adedeji, confirmed the development on Tuesday, stating that it aligns with the directive from the national body.
Adedeji disclosed that the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, with NARD directing members nationwide to resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
He added that the decision followed the Federal Government’s reversal of its position on the revised professional allowance, alongside a commitment to address other outstanding issues raised by the association.
The crisis stems from the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table agreed upon by NARD and the Federal Government after a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages for resident doctors, covering call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and payments for non-clinical duties.
While implementation was initially scheduled to begin in January 2026, delays shifted the rollout to February. However, NARD has alleged that the government now plans to halt the process by April—a move the association says undermines trust and breaches earlier agreements.
