Resident Doctors Resume Work as FG Reverses Allowance Decision

Resident Doctors Resume Work as FG Reverses Allowance Decision

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has announced the suspension of its planned nationwide strike after reaching an understanding with the Federal Government on key demands, offering temporary relief to Nigeria’s fragile healthcare system.

The decision followed an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), where members reviewed fresh assurances from government representatives and agreed to give dialogue another opportunity based on “progress made” in negotiations.

NARD said the suspension was anchored on commitments by the Federal Government—through the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria—to address critical issues, including payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and improvements in doctors’ welfare.

The association also cited renewed efforts to resolve challenges surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), a key component in the training and development of resident doctors across the country.

Although the dispute has not been fully resolved, NARD noted a “renewed willingness” by the government to implement previously agreed terms and prevent disruption in healthcare services.

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The President of the University College Hospital (UCH) chapter, Uthman Adedeji, confirmed that the decision aligns with the directive from the national body. He disclosed that the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary NEC meeting, with doctors directed to resume work nationwide by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Adedeji further revealed that the Federal Government had reversed its earlier stance on the revised professional allowance, a key sticking point in the dispute, and pledged to address other outstanding concerns raised by the association.

The crisis is rooted in the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table agreed upon between NARD and the government following a prolonged strike in 2025. The agreement included improved remuneration packages covering:

• Call duty allowances
• Shift allowances
• Rural posting incentives
• Payments for non-clinical duties

While implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026 and later shifted to February, NARD raised concerns that the government planned to halt the process by April—an action the association described as a breach of agreement and erosion of trust.

Resident doctors in Nigeria have long had disputes with the Federal Government over welfare-related issues, including irregular salary payments, inadequate hazard allowances, and poor hospital infrastructure. These challenges have significantly contributed to the ongoing brain drain in Nigeria’s health sector, as many medical professionals seek better opportunities abroad.

Healthcare stakeholders say the suspension of the strike will temporarily ease pressure on public hospitals, which were at risk of severe disruption. However, they warn that failure to fully implement agreements and reforms could trigger future industrial actions.

The Federal Government has welcomed the decision, reiterating its commitment to continued engagement and reforms aimed at strengthening the Nigerian healthcare system.

For now, patients across the country can expect a gradual return to normalcy in government hospitals, though concerns remain over whether the agreements reached will be sustained.

Resident Doctors Resume Work as FG Reverses Allowance Decision