The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its planned indefinite strike earlier scheduled to begin on Monday, following the intervention of the Federal Government and firm assurances from key stakeholders.
The decision was reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (E-NEC) held on January 11, 2026, after a review of the status of its demands and the progress made through sustained engagement with government authorities.
Secretary-General of NARD, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, described the move as “strategic and conditional,” explaining that the suspension was intended to allow time for the government to translate its commitments into concrete actions.
He said the association would reassess the situation at its next NEC meeting scheduled for January 25, 2026.
According to Ibrahim, the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, was instrumental in halting the planned industrial action.
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“This decision is not a retreat from our demands, but a deliberate window to verify implementation and measurable outcomes,” he stated.
He disclosed that progress had been recorded on several outstanding issues, including the crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Lokoja, which he said had been resolved.
A reconciliation committee comprising chief medical directors, the Ministry of Health and NARD has also been constituted to ensure lasting peace among stakeholders at the hospital.
On the outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears, Ibrahim said verified lists of affected doctors had been forwarded to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), while the Ministry of Labour and Employment has written to the Ministry of Finance to facilitate payment.
He added that similar progress had been made on the accoutrement allowance, as well as promotion and salary arrears, with relevant documents already transmitted to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office.
Ibrahim further noted that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation had reaffirmed CONMESS 3 as the recognised entry level for resident doctors, adding that formal communication would be issued to hospital managements to eliminate ambiguities.
He also revealed that a multi-stakeholder committee involving the Ministry of Health, chief medical directors, the Nigerian Medical Association and NARD has been set up to address issues bordering on practice standards and work-hour regulation.
Despite calling off the strike, NARD stressed that it would continue to closely monitor the implementation of all agreements, warning that failure to meet the commitments could lead to renewed industrial action.