The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)
has extended the suspension of its total and indefinite strike by an additional
four weeks following its January National Executive Council (NEC) meeting and
Scientific Conference.
The decision was reached at the end of the
Association’s NEC meeting, held between January 25 and 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 described the move as
a goodwill gesture in response to what it said were positive steps taken by the
Federal Government.
According to NARD, the extension reflects progress
made in addressing the demands of resident doctors across the country.
“In recognition of the progress recorded by the
Federal Government towards resolving the legitimate concerns of Nigerian
resident doctors, the NEC has resolved to extend the suspension of the total,
indefinite and comprehensive strike for a further period of four weeks,” the
communiqué stated.
The Association also expressed appreciation to
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Plateau State Governor
Caleb Mutfwang and other stakeholders involved in ongoing engagements.
NEC Meeting and Scientific Conference
NARD’s January NEC meeting, its first statutory
meeting of the year, was held alongside a scientific conference on January 27
at the Eliel Centre, Gold and Base, Jos.
The conference, themed “Innovating for Equity:
Technology as a Bridge between Poverty and Health,” featured a keynote
lecture delivered by Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman,
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
several dignitaries, including traditional rulers, leaders of the Nigerian
Medical Association (NMA), and chief medical directors of major health
institutions.
Progress and Outstanding Concerns
Following deliberations, the NEC acknowledged the
reinstatement of doctors previously disengaged at the Federal Teaching
Hospital, Lokoja, and commended the interventions of the Federal Ministry of
Labour and Employment and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information
System (IPPIS).
NARD noted assurances from IPPIS that outstanding 25
and 35 per cent CONMESS and accoutrement allowance arrears would be cleared
within two weeks.
The Association also disclosed that promotion and
salary arrears had been forwarded to the appropriate authorities, with the
Minister of Finance giving assurances that payments would be fast-tracked.
However, NARD raised concerns over delays in the
circulation of a directive affirming CONMESS 3 as the approved entry level for
medical doctors. It also criticised the non-payment of the Professional
Allowance provided for in the 2026 Appropriation Act, as well as persistent
salary arrears in several health institutions.
The Association further warned of deteriorating
industrial relations at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and called
for urgent intervention.
NARD concluded by urging the government to prioritise
doctors’ welfare, ensure timely release of training funds, and increase
investment in health infrastructure nationwide.
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