The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has disclosed that meaningful progress has been achieved in its negotiations with the Federal Government ahead of its planned nationwide strike on August 10.
However, the association has not officially called off the industrial action.
Speaking after a high-level meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, confirmed that several key issues raised by the doctors have been addressed.
These include salary and promotion arrears, allowances, welfare of house officers, and workplace security.
Despite the positive outcome, Suleiman emphasized that the final decision to suspend the strike lies with the association’s National Executive Council (NEC).
He noted that the agreements reached would first be presented to the council for deliberation.
According to him, government agencies have committed to clear implementation timelines.
Notably, the welfare concerns at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), including meal entitlements, are expected to be resolved within one week.
Additionally, a directive has been issued mandating that house officers’ salaries be paid before the 10th of every month.
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The Federal Government has also instructed relevant ministries to fast-track discussions on the doctors’ collective bargaining agreement, with plans to incorporate its financial implications into the 2027 national budget.
However, Suleiman highlighted that a major concern remains unresolved — a 19-month backlog of salary shortfalls spanning July 2024 to January 2026, which is yet to be paid despite corrections made earlier in 2026.
On the issue of safety, NARD revealed alarming data showing that over 30 doctors and several other healthcare workers have been assaulted in the past 10 months.
In response, the government has pledged to strengthen hospital security and launch public awareness campaigns to curb such incidents.
There are also plans to introduce legislation that would classify assaults on health workers as aggravated offenses.
NARD had earlier issued an ultimatum following its general meeting in Gombe, citing unpaid arrears and poor welfare conditions as reasons for the planned strike. While the latest developments offer hope, the association’s final stance will depend on the outcome of NEC’s review.
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