The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, bringing relief to patients and medical staff across the country. The association was set to begin an indefinite industrial action on Tuesday over delayed salaries, unpaid allowances and other welfare concerns.
However, following high-level government interventions, including engagements by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, the doctors announced the suspension on Tuesday morning. The association has now given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve all outstanding issues.
In a joint statement signed by the association’s President, Dr Muhammed Suleiman, Secretary General, Dr Shuaibu Ibrahim, and Publicity Secretary, Dr Abdulmajid Ibrahim, the National Executive Council confirmed the decision after extensive deliberations. The statement expressed cautious optimism, noting that the government’s engagement signalled a renewed commitment to addressing resident doctors’ welfare concerns.
Also Read: Resident Doctors Begin Nationwide Strike Over Welfare Demands
The doctors warned that unresolved issues must be addressed within the two-week ultimatum, including delayed promotion and salary arrears, non-disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, a backlog of nineteen months of unpaid professional allowances, and the halted implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table. The association reiterated its demand for the immediate reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to halt that revised table, which has been a major source of contention.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.