The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned total and indefinite strike following fresh commitments from the Federal Government on salary payments and welfare-related concerns.
In a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC), and signed by President Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, the association outlined conditions expected to be met despite the suspension.
Key demands include the continued implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) in April salaries and beyond, prompt payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and swift disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF). NARD also called for immediate payment of 19 months of outstanding professional allowance arrears, as well as an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address delays in house officers’ salaries.
According to the association, the decision to suspend the strike followed engagements with key government officials and agencies, including the Vice President, Ministries of Health, Labour and Finance, the Budget Office, and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
NARD noted that the previously suspended reviewed PAT has now been reinstated, with payments expected to reflect in April salaries. It also acknowledged renewed assurances from the Federal Government regarding the settlement of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.
The association further stated that approval has been secured for the 2026 MRTF, with commitments that disbursement will be completed. It added that the Budget Office has indicated readiness to begin payment of outstanding allowance arrears.
However, NARD expressed concern over persistent delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing it as a recurring issue requiring urgent resolution.
The association said progress on all commitments will be assessed at its May Ordinary General Meeting scheduled to hold in Kano.
