The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has suspended its planned nationwide indefinite strike after an emergency virtual meeting of its National Executive Council held on April 7, 2026.
The association said the decision was a show of goodwill following high-level interventions by government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Coordinating Minister of Health, Muhammad Ali Pate.
NARD had earlier announced the strike over a long-standing dispute with the Federal Government, particularly concerning unpaid salaries, allowances, and other welfare issues affecting its members.
Despite suspending the action, the doctors issued a two-week ultimatum to the government, demanding clear, measurable, and verifiable progress on their concerns. At the heart of the dispute is the planned halt in the implementation of the revised Professional Allowance Table, alongside delays in settling outstanding arrears.
According to a communiqué signed by NARD President Dr. Mohammad Suleiman and Secretary-General Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, resident doctors are owed up to 19 months of professional allowance arrears, in addition to unpaid promotions and salary-related entitlements.
The association is also calling for the immediate release of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund and the settlement of outstanding payments to affected institutions.
While acknowledging ongoing discussions with government agencies, including the Department of State Services, NARD expressed cautious optimism but warned that unresolved welfare issues continue to affect morale and could disrupt healthcare delivery nationwide.
The association said it will reconvene after the 14-day window to review the government’s response. It warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to an immediate resumption of the suspended strike without further notice.
In the meantime, NARD has urged its members across the country to remain calm, united, and professional while awaiting further developments.
