The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide industrial action.
In July, NARD said it would embark on a nationwide strike from August 10 if the federal government fails to address its demands.
In a communique issued after its ordinary general meeting (OGM) held in Gombe, the association said the demands include the payment of salary and allowance arrears and the resolution of welfare issues affecting doctors across federal health institutions.
The communique was signed by Mohammad Suleiman, NARD president, Shuaibu Ibrahim, secretary-general, and Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, publicity and social secretary.
On Tuesday, NARD said issues around its planned nationwide strike have been resolved.
Speaking after a meeting with Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, Suleiman, NARD president, said the discussions produced concrete agreements on several contentious issues, including salaries, promotions, allowances, and welfare concerns that had prompted the strike ultimatum.
NARD said it had resolved to extend the suspension of the strike until August 31, when it would review the level of implementation of the agreements.
This was contained in a communique issued after its extraordinary national executive council (E-NEC) meeting held virtually on Friday and signed by Mohammad Suleiman, NARD president; Shuaibu Ibrahim, secretary-general, and Abdulmajid Yahya Ibrahim, publicity and social secretary.
The association acknowledged the progress recorded following a high-level meeting with government officials at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on August 4.
“In recognition of the intervention of the Chief of Staff to the President and other critical stakeholders, and as a demonstration of goodwill and NARD’s commitment to constructive engagement and industrial harmony, the E-NEC resolved to suspend the planned resumption of the Total and Comprehensive Industrial Strike (TICS) earlier scheduled to commence on Monday, 10th August 2026,” the communique reads.
It also warned that the agreements must translate into verifiable implementation within the agreed timelines.
The association said it would closely monitor compliance through its national officers’ committee, noting that the suspension should not be interpreted as abandonment of its demands.
It also demanded the payment of outstanding medical residency training fund (MRTF) entitlements, salary and promotion arrears, and remaining salary arrears owed resident doctors at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, and the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
NARD further called for the immediate implementation of a national minimum security protocol for healthcare workers amid concerns over assaults, intimidation and violence against medical personnel.
The association said it would give health institutions where call-duty meals were not being provided a three-week ultimatum to commence adequate provision for resident doctors on call.
It also demanded the implementation of recommendations by the ministerial committee on excessive workload, prolonged call-duty hours and casualisation of doctors.
NARD demanded the immediate conclusion of outstanding processes and its transmission to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for circularisation and subsequent provision in the 2027 budget.
The association also condemned alleged victimisation and intimidation of its members in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
