By our Reporter
The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned nationwide strike following renewed negotiations with the Federal Government over outstanding welfare issues.
The decision was reached on Tuesday after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and agreed to allow further dialogue.
NARD said the suspension was based on progress made in discussions, particularly commitments by the government to address salary arrears, hazard allowances, and issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.
While noting that the dispute has not been fully resolved, the association acknowledged what it described as a “renewed willingness” by the government to tackle the concerns that prompted the strike threat.
Confirming the development, the President of the University College Hospital chapter, Dr. Uthman Adedeji, said the decision aligns with directives from the national body.
He disclosed that the strike was suspended after an Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, adding that resident doctors across the country have been directed to resume work by 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Adedeji explained that the move followed the Federal Government’s reversal on the revised professional allowance and its commitment to address other outstanding demands.
The dispute is linked to the implementation of a revised Professional Allowance Table agreed upon after the 2025 strike, which included improved remuneration covering call duty, shift allowances, rural posting incentives, and non-clinical duty payments.
Although implementation was initially scheduled for January 2026 and later shifted to February, NARD had raised concerns over delays and alleged plans to halt the process by April, warning that such actions could undermine trust and previous agreements.
Resident doctors have repeatedly engaged the government over welfare concerns, including irregular salary payments, poor working conditions, and inadequate infrastructure—issues that have continued to drive the migration of medical professionals abroad.
