Resident doctors suspend 29-day strike after reaching agreement with FG

Resident doctors suspend 29-day strike after reaching agreement with FG

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite strike, 29 days after it began on November 1, following an agreement with the Federal Government to address key demands related to arrears, promotions, and welfare.

Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, NARD National President, announced the suspension on Saturday via his X handle @mohagirei, after an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. The move came after “a series of conciliatory meetings” which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) outlining the status of the association’s 19-point demands.

Among the outstanding issues, promotion arrears remain a priority. Suleiman stated that compilation of the arrears by Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Managing Directors (MDs) is ongoing, with a four-week deadline set for payment. Salary arrears are also expected to be cleared within the same timeframe.

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On the specialist allowance, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued directives, while the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) is expected to ensure implementation. The MoU also addresses the reabsorption of the “Lokoja Five” resident doctors at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, expected within two weeks.

Other agreements include resolving failed or omitted payments related to the 25/35 percent review and accoutrement allowance, completing the resident upgrade process, and settling issues concerning house officers. Interim directives have been issued to CMDs and MDs to curb what NARD described as “obnoxious clauses” in locum engagements, while committees reviewing locum policies and work hours are expected to deliver reports within two months.

Suleiman emphasized that the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process will resume promptly, and discussions on consultant cadres for other health professionals will form part of future engagements. The special pensions committee is also set to resume its activities.

The NEC resolved to suspend the strike for four weeks to allow the government to implement the agreements, warning that failure to do so would lead to a resumption of the strike. The four-week countdown starts on Monday as a reminder for full compliance.

The strike, which began over unpaid arrears, stalled promotions, allowances, staffing gaps, and other welfare grievances, affected health services nationwide, putting pressure on both the government and health facilities.

Resident doctors suspend 29-day strike after reaching agreement with FG