The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Tuesday announced the suspension of its planned strike after reaching an understanding with the federal government on key demands, including payment of outstanding allowances and improvements in doctors’ welfare.
The decision was made following an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, during which members examined assurances from government representatives and agreed to give dialogue another chance.
NARD stated that the suspension was informed by “progress made” in negotiations, specifically agreements to timely payment of salary arrears and hazard allowances and efforts toward settling concerns with the Medical Residency Training Fund.
Although the association did not announce a complete resolution to the conflict, it did state that the government had demonstrated a “renewed willingness” to address the concerns that prompted the strike threat.
Resident doctors in Nigeria have frequently clashed with the federal government on welfare issues such as irregular salary payments, insufficient hazard allowances, and inadequate hospital facilities.
The ongoing disputes have contributed to brain drain in the health sector, with many Nigerian doctors looking for better chances abroad.
Dr. Uthman Adedeji, President of University College Hospital, announced the development on Tuesday, stating that it is in accordance with the national body’s order.
Adedeji stated that the strike was suspended following an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, during which NARD urged members nationwide to resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
He explained that the decision came after the federal government reversed its position on the amended professional allowance and agreed to address other outstanding issues made by the association.
The dilemma originates from the introduction of a revised Professional Allowance Table, which was negotiated between NARD and the federal government following a lengthy strike in 2025.
The deal featured better income packages for resident doctors, such as call duty allowances, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payment.
Although implementation was originally expected to begin in January 2026, delays pushed it out to February.
However, NARD claims that the government is now seeking to end the process by April, a move that weakens trust and contradicts previous commitments.
