The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended the resumption of its planned nationwide industrial action until January 25, 2026, following renewed engagements with the Federal Government and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The decision was reached after an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Sunday, during which members reviewed the status of their demands and assessed progress made through ongoing negotiations.
The development came barely two days after the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Abuja, issued an interim order restraining NARD from embarking on the strike earlier scheduled to commence on Monday, January 12, 2026. Justice Emmanuel Subilim, who granted the injunction on Friday, ruled that the order would remain in force pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice fixed 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 decision to suspend the strike was informed by firm commitments received from relevant government agencies and the direct intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The association described the suspension as “strategic and conditional,” noting that it was intended to allow time for an objective review of tangible progress at the next NEC meeting scheduled to commence on January 25, 2026.
According to the communiqué, the NEC reviewed updates on several key issues, including the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, where significant progress has reportedly been made. NARD said the implementation of the report of an earlier committee set up by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is underway, while a new reconciliation committee has also been constituted to ensure lasting peace among stakeholders in the hospital.
On salary-related matters, the association disclosed that verified lists for the 25 and 35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) arrears have been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). It added that engagements are ongoing with the Ministries of Labour and Employment, Finance, and other relevant agencies to ensure prompt payment.
NARD also reported progress on other outstanding issues, including accoutrement allowances, promotion and salary arrears, specialist allowances, and the welfare of house officers. It said several committees have been set up to address lingering concerns such as work-hour regulation, locum practice, and membership re-categorisation.
The association further revealed that a circular on the professional allowance table has been released, with assurances that implementation will commence with January salaries, while arrears are expected to be captured in the 2026 budget.
The NEC directed the President and General Secretary of the association to hold emergency congress meetings across centres on Monday to brief members on the outcomes of the NEC meeting and the reasons behind the suspension of the strike.
While appreciating its members nationwide for their solidarity and patience, NARD expressed confidence that continued engagement and the timely intervention of the Vice President would lead to a lasting resolution of the challenges confronting the health sector.
However, the association cautioned that it would closely monitor the implementation of agreed timelines and commitments, stressing that it would reassess the situation at its next NEC meeting later in the month.
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