Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Strike After High-Level Intervention and Progress on Demands
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has announced the suspension of its planned nationwide strike, citing significant advancements made in addressing its core demands following extensive consultations with the Federal Government and various key stakeholders. This pivotal decision was reached during an emergency virtual National Executive Council (E-NEC) meeting convened on January 11, 2026, where the association meticulously reviewed the current status of its grievances and evaluated recent developments.
The suspension of industrial action is attributed to direct presidential intervention, spearheaded by Vice President Kashim Shettima, acting on behalf of President Bola Tinubu. Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Secretary-General of NARD, characterized the suspension as both strategic and conditional, providing the National Executive Council (NEC) with a window to assess tangible progress at its upcoming meeting scheduled for January 25, 2026.
Sources close to the negotiations have indicated that substantial progress has been achieved behind the scenes over the past week, leading to a shift in NARD’s posture. These advancements have reportedly occurred at the highest echelons of government, involving direct presidential engagement.
Escalation and High-Level Intervention
The protracted negotiations reportedly saw increased tensions, particularly concerning the handling of the issues by the leadership of the Federal Ministry of Health. The approach of Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, was reportedly a catalyst for political intervention. To underscore the gravity of the situation, it is understood that Minister Pate was advised and appealed to, in an effort to foster a more balanced approach to the discussions.
A broad spectrum of stakeholders was drawn into the dialogue, including Chief Executive Officers of hospitals and prominent political figures. The Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) engaged with the Minister on multiple occasions. Furthermore, interventions reportedly came from senior officials within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Concerns about political undertones and potential opposition involvement prompted the APC leadership to step in and verify the facts surrounding the doctors’ grievances. These engagements proved crucial in enabling decision-makers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the resident doctors’ concerns, by directly hearing from those at the forefront of the agitation.
Tangible Progress and Future Outlook
These interventions have reportedly translated into concrete actions, including directives concerning outstanding payments. The rationale behind potentially withholding strike action, according to insiders, is that industrial action serves as a tool to achieve objectives rather than an end in itself.
Despite the encouraging developments, NARD leadership faces pressure from members who remain largely uninformed about the intricacies of the ongoing negotiations. This information gap has led to considerable internal criticism, with the leadership expressing confidence that member satisfaction will grow as the positive outcomes of these efforts become evident, particularly with the correction of anomalies and the receipt of overdue payments.
Resolution of Specific Grievances
Dr. Ibrahim’s summary of the union’s NEC meeting highlighted the resolution of the persistent crisis at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. This was achieved through the implementation of recommendations from a committee previously established by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
A new reconciliation committee has been formed, comprising CMDs, representatives from the Ministry, and NARD. This committee is tasked with ensuring the retention of resident doctors at the Lokoja facility and brokering a lasting accord between the Association of Resident Doctors and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria at that institution.
Regarding the outstanding 25% and 35% arrears under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), NARD confirmed that verified lists have been submitted to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has formally communicated with the Ministry of Finance and IPPIS to expedite these payments. Similar progress has been reported on the accoutrement allowance.
Furthermore, lists pertaining to promotion and salary arrears have been transmitted by the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. The Minister of State for Finance has reportedly acknowledged receipt, and ongoing discussions are aimed at establishing a clear and accelerated payment plan.
Reaffirming Entry-Level Standards and Welfare Initiatives
On the matter of entry-level placement for doctors, the Director of Hospital Services is set to communicate with hospital chief executives. This communication will reinforce a clarification from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, which recognizes CONMESS 3 as the appropriate entry-level salary scale for medical doctors.
A multi-stakeholder committee, involving the Ministry of Health, CMDs, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and NARD, has been established to address issues related to locum practice and work-hour regulations. Initial activities for this committee are already in progress.
Substantial steps have also been taken towards the full implementation of specialist allowances.
In terms of house officers’ welfare, the Ministry of Labour has intervened, and the Ministry of Health is scheduled to formally engage with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and IPPIS concerning salary delays and outstanding arrears.
The NEC also noted positive developments in membership re-categorisation and the implementation of professional allowances. Efforts are underway to ensure that salary and allowance improvements secured at the federal level are mirrored in state and private healthcare facilities.
Based on what it described as firm commitments from critical stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, Labour, and Finance, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, IPPIS, the Budget Office, the National Assembly, the Department of State Services, and the Vice President, NARD has unanimously resolved to suspend the planned resumption of its strike action, designated as TICS 2.0.
