Breaking: Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Press FG With Key Conditions

The decision was announced in a communiqué released after an emergency virtual National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, April 26.

The statement was signed by NARD President Mohammad Suleiman, Secretary-General Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Abdulmajid Ibrahim.

According to the association, the resolution followed extensive consultations with top government officials and stakeholders in the health and public service sectors.

NARD said the NEC reviewed interventions from the Vice President, Ministers of Health, Labour, and Finance, as well as agencies such as the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant General, and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

Other participants in the discussions included the Nigerian Medical Association and the Department of State Services.

The association explained that its earlier move toward an indefinite strike was prompted by the Federal Government’s reversal of the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table.

However, it noted that the government has now reversed that position, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and subsequent payments.

The NEC also acknowledged renewed assurances regarding the payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors nationwide.

It further disclosed that approval had been granted in principle for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, with commitments to conclude the disbursement process.

The Budget Office also indicated readiness to begin payment of 19 months’ outstanding professional allowance arrears.

Despite these developments, NARD expressed concern over continued delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing the situation as urgent and unresolved.

Based on these assurances, the NEC resolved to suspend the planned strike, while noting that the situation will be reviewed at its Ordinary General Meeting scheduled for May in Kano.

The association insisted on full implementation of the revised allowance structure in April salaries and beyond, alongside prompt settlement of all outstanding arrears.

It also called for the swift completion and release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, as well as immediate action on the 19-month backlog of allowance arrears.

NARD further demanded an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to address persistent delays in house officers’ salary payments.

The association said it would continue to monitor compliance with the agreements reached and take further action depending on government implementation.