Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances

Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned total and indefinite strike following renewed commitments from the Federal Government on salary payments, allowances, and welfare-related issues affecting medical professionals across Nigeria.

The decision was reached after an emergency virtual meeting of NARD’s National Executive Council (NEC) held on Saturday, where members reviewed ongoing negotiations with government institutions. The resolution was contained in a communiqué signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.

According to the association, the suspension followed engagements with key government stakeholders, including the Vice President’s office, the ministries of health, labour, and finance, the Budget Office, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other relevant agencies involved in health sector financing and administration.

NARD noted that there had been renewed assurances from the government regarding the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which is expected to reflect in April salary payments and beyond. The association also confirmed a reversal of earlier delays in implementation.

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Among its key demands, the association insisted on the immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary backlogs, as well as urgent settlement of 19 months’ unpaid professional allowance arrears owed to members across various federal health institutions.

The doctors also called for the expedited release of funds under the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), stating that approval has already been secured and disbursement processes are expected to be completed without further delay.

Another major concern raised by the association is the continued delay in payment of house officers’ salaries, which it described as a recurring issue requiring urgent intervention. NARD urged the authorities to convene an emergency stakeholders’ meeting to resolve the matter and ensure timely remuneration of newly qualified doctors.

While the strike has been suspended, the association stressed that its demands remain in force and warned that progress will be closely monitored. It said the situation will be reviewed at its upcoming May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano, where further action could be decided depending on government compliance.

Healthcare analysts note that the suspension offers temporary relief to Nigeria’s already strained health system, which has faced repeated disruptions due to industrial disputes over welfare and funding challenges.

Resident Doctors Suspend Strike, Demand Payment of 19 Months’ Allowances