Doctor
By Ola Wale
The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike, citing progress in talks with the Federal Government. The decision was made after Vice President Kashim Shettima intervened and issued directives that led to the resolution of several outstanding issues .
According to NARD President, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) unanimously resolved to suspend the strike for two weeks to allow the government to complete ongoing actions. This suspension offers temporary relief to millions of Nigerians who depend on public health facilities .
The NEC meeting reviewed the status of NARD’s demands and evaluated progress achieved through ongoing engagements with key government stakeholders. The association noted that some significant wins had been achieved, although many were yet to be fully implemented.
NARD had initially planned to resume a total, indefinite, and complete strike (TICS 2.0) on January 12, citing unresolved welfare, promotion, allowance, and work-condition issues. However, following the intervention of Vice President Shettima, the association agreed to suspend the strike.
The government has made commitments to address some of NARD’s demands, including the payment of outstanding 25 and 35 per cent CONMESS arrears, promotion arrears, and salary arrears in specific hospitals. A committee has also been established to address locum practice and work-hour regulations.
The suspension of the strike is strategic and conditional, allowing room for an objective review of tangible progress at the next NEC meeting, commencing January 25, 2026. NARD emphasized that it would continue to push for the immediate resumption and timely conclusion of negotiations on the Collective Bargaining Agreement for all doctors .
The decision to suspend the strike underscores the government’s efforts to address the concerns of healthcare professionals and ensure the stability of the healthcare system.
