The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned total and indefinite strike following fresh commitments by the Federal Government on salary payments and welfare issues.
Despite the suspension, the association issued a set of demands, including sustained implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) in April salaries and beyond, prompt payment of all outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and expedited disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF).
It also called for the immediate commencement of payment of 19 months’ outstanding professional allowance arrears and the convening of an urgent stakeholders’ meeting to resolve delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries.
The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency virtual meeting of the association’s National Executive Council (NEC), held on Saturday, and signed by its President, Dr. Mohammad Usman Suleiman, the Secretary-General, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, and the Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr. Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim.
NARD said the suspension followed a review of engagements with key government officials and agencies, including the Vice President, ministries of health, labour and finance, the Budget Office, Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, and other stakeholders.
The association said it observed that the earlier decision to halt implementation of the reviewed PAT had been reversed, with payment expected to reflect in April salaries.
It also noted renewed government commitment to settle outstanding promotion and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions.
According to the communiqué, approval has been secured for the 2026 MRTF, with assurances that the disbursement process would be completed, while the Budget Office has indicated readiness to begin payment of the outstanding allowance arrears.
The association, however, expressed concern over continued delays in the payment of house officers’ salaries, describing it as a persistent issue requiring urgent resolution.
It said progress on the commitments would be reviewed at its May Ordinary General Meeting in Kano.
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