The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a four-week window to fully implement previously reached agreements on doctors’ remuneration, allowances and welfare, warning that failure to do so could trigger a fresh round of industrial action across the country.
The ultimatum comes as the association announced an extension of the suspension of its Total Indefinite Comprehensive Strike, TICS,0 describing the decision as a goodwill gesture in response to what it said were recent signs of progress by the government.
The resolution was reached at the conclusion of NARD’s January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which⁰ was held alongside its Scientific Conference from January 25 to 29, 2026, in Jos, Plateau State.
In a communiqué jointly signed by NARD President, Dr Mohammad Suleiman; Secretary-General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim; and Publicity and Social Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the association acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and other stakeholders involved in ongoing negotiations.
According to the communiqué, the NEC resolved to extend the strike suspension by another four weeks to allow the government sufficient time to meet agreed timelines.
However, the doctors warned that any failure to fulfil outstanding commitments within the period would lead to a resumption of nationwide industrial action.
The association stated that the suspension was extended in recognition of steps taken by the Federal Government to address the concerns of resident doctors, particularly in the area of salary-related arrears.
NARD confirmed the reinstatement of doctors previously disengaged at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and commended the intervention of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), over unresolved arrears of 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS payments and accoutrement allowances.
IPPIS, the association noted, had assured that the arrears would be cleared within two weeks.
The NEC also disclosed that issues surrounding promotion and salary arrears had been escalated to the appropriate authorities, adding that assurances had been received from the Minister of Finance that payments would be fast-tracked.
Despite these developments, NARD expressed dissatisfaction with delays in issuing an official circular confirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for medical doctors.
The association also raised concerns over the non-payment of the Professional Allowance captured in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent salary arrears affecting doctors in several health institutions nationwide.
In addition, the association warned of deteriorating industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called for urgent government intervention to prevent escalation.
It further demanded improved welfare conditions, prompt release of training funds for resident doctors, and renewed investment in healthcare infrastructure across the country.
NARD’s January NEC meeting, its first statutory gathering of the year, was held on January 27 at the Eliel Centre in Jos.
The accompanying scientific conference was themed “Innovating for Equity: Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health.”
The keynote lecture was delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who was represented by Dr Peace Longdet.
The event was chaired by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Professor Piwuna Christopher, and attracted prominent dignitaries, including traditional rulers, leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association, and chief medical directors of major health institutions.
The association concluded by reiterating its commitment to dialogue but stressed that the four-week deadline would be strictly observed in the interest of its members and the Nigerian healthcare system.
