The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended the resumption of its planned industrial action until January 25, 2026, following renewed engagements with government authorities and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The decision was taken after the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held a virtual emergency meeting on Sunday to review the status of its demands and assess progress made through ongoing negotiations.
The meeting came barely two days after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja, issued an interim order restraining NARD from embarking on its proposed strike scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Justice Emmanuel Subilim, who issued the order on Friday, ruled that the injunction will remain in effect until the hearing and determination of the motion on notice scheduled for January 21, 2026.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the NEC meeting and signed by the Secretary-General of NARD, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, the association said the suspension of the strike was based on firm commitments received from relevant government agencies and the direct intervention of the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The association described the suspension as “strategic and conditional”, noting that it would allow time to objectively review tangible progress at the next NEC meeting scheduled to commence on January 25, 2026.
As part of updates reviewed by the NEC, NARD disclosed that the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, had seen significant progress, with the implementation of the report of an earlier committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It also said a new reconciliation committee has also been established to foster lasting peace among stakeholders in the hospital.
On outstanding salary-related issues, NARD said verified lists for the 25 and 35 percent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears have been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), while engagements continue with the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Finance, and other relevant offices to ensure prompt payment.
The association also reported progress on outstanding accoutrement allowances, promotion and salary arrears, specialist allowances, and the welfare of house officers, with several committees constituted to address lingering issues, including work-hour regulation, locum practice and membership re-categorisation.
NARD further noted that a circular on the professional allowance table has been released, with assurances that implementation would commence with January salaries and that arrears would be captured in the 2026 budget.
The NEC directed its President and General Secretary to hold emergency congress meetings across centres on Monday to brief members on the outcomes of the meeting and the reasons behind the suspension of the strike.
While expressing appreciation to its members nationwide for their solidarity, NARD said it remains confident that the continued engagement and timely intervention of the Vice President would lead to a lasting resolution of the challenges facing the health sector.
The association, however, warned that it would closely monitor the implementation of agreed timelines and commitments as it prepares to reassess the situation later in the month.
