The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its indefinite strike, which began on November 1, 2025, after 29 days of industrial action, the association announced on Saturday.
NARD National President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, made the announcement via his X handle (@mohagirei) following an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
He stated that the decision came after a series of conciliatory discussions with the Federal Government, culminating in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) addressing the status of the association’s 19-point demands.
Among the unresolved issues is the payment of promotion arrears. Suleiman explained that Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) and Managing Directors (MDs) were still compiling the arrears, but a four-week deadline has been set for their clearance. Salary arrears are also expected to be settled within this timeframe.
On the specialist allowance, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) has issued directives for its implementation, with the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission expected to take necessary action.
Regarding the “Lokoja Five”—resident doctors previously disengaged from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, the committee report recommended their reabsorption, which is expected to be completed within two weeks.
The MoU also addressed failed or omitted payments for the 25/35 percent review and accoutrement allowance.
Suleiman added that the Post-Assessment Tool (PAT) has been released, and lists of residents due for promotion are being awaited from centre leaders to finalize upgrades.
Issues relating to skipping and entry-level placements have also been resolved, while concerns involving house officers have been settled.
Suleiman said an interim directive has been issued to CMDs and MDs to halt “obnoxious clauses” in locum engagements.
Health facility heads were advised to limit excessive call duties and ensure adequate breaks for doctors.
Committees reviewing the locum policy and regulating work hours are expected to produce comprehensive policy documents within two months.
The president further noted that the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) process will continue soon, and discussions on the consultant cadre for other health professionals will be part of this engagement.
The special pensions committee is also expected to resume its sittings.
The NEC resolved to suspend the strike for four weeks “to allow room and show this uncommon gesture while we follow up on implementation.”
Suleiman emphasised that progress had been significant but acknowledged mistakes, taking responsibility for them as president.
He warned that failure by the Federal Government to fully implement the agreed measures within the four-week period would result in the strike being resumed.
The countdown for the four weeks begins Monday, serving as a daily reminder to the government and Nigerians to ensure full compliance.
The Nov. 1 strike, NARD’s latest in a series of industrial actions, was initially prompted by unpaid arrears, stalled promotions, allowances, staffing gaps, and other welfare-related grievances.
